In the mountainous villages of Northern Vietnam, the crossbow was once a familiar tool in the lives of the Tay, Nung, Thai, and Mong ethnic groups. More than just a hunting and village defense tool, the crossbow also carries a wealth of ancient cultural heritage. However, in the face of modern life, as many traditional folk games are gradually being forgotten, crossbow shooting is also facing the risk of disappearing.
It was this concern that sparked the idea among a group of residents in Minh Tan 3 neighborhood to revive this traditional sport . Initially, only a few middle-aged and elderly people practiced together, both reviewing ancient crossbow shooting techniques and teaching the younger generation. These training sessions under the trees or in small courtyards gradually attracted more participants.
Recognizing the positive significance of the model, in August 2025, the People's Committee of Yen Bai Ward issued Decision No. 549 establishing the Minh Tan 3 residential area crossbow shooting club. The club was built with clear operating regulations comprising 8 chapters and 16 articles, along with specific operating rules of 10 articles, creating a foundation for the movement to develop systematically and sustainably.
Mr. Phan Ba Son, the club's chairman, shared: "The club's establishment has contributed to 'awakening' a traditional cultural value. Older members pass on their experience and skills to younger generations, helping them understand their roots and feel proud of their national identity. This place is not only a sports playground but also resembles a miniature cultural space for the community."
Late in the afternoon, when work had temporarily ceased, the club's training ground buzzed with laughter and chatter. Groups of members took turns positioning themselves, drawing their crossbows taut, and intently aiming at the target. Each successful shot was met with enthusiastic applause.
What makes the Minh Tan 3 Crossbow Club special is that it doesn't discriminate by age. From elderly men with gray hair to young teenagers, everyone can participate. Initially, the club had only 3 core members, but it has now grown to 26 members who regularly practice.
Not only residents of the neighborhood, but also many people from other residential areas in Yen Bai ward and Tran Yen commune come to participate. Thanks to the neighborhood committee's support, the club has been provided with a relatively spacious and safe meeting and training area. In addition, many member families have also arranged small yards as training spaces.
Mr. Hoang Van Dao, a long-time member of the club, said: “Archery is not only a folk game but also carries deep cultural and historical value for the ethnic groups in the mountainous regions. In the past, it was an important skill for hunting and protecting the village. Skilled archers were often considered agile, sharp-eyed, and courageous. Therefore, this sport also demonstrates human qualities: perseverance, accuracy, and strength.”
According to Mr. Dao, in many traditional festivals of the highland people, crossbow shooting is always the most anticipated part of the competition. These competitions not only create a joyful atmosphere but also provide an opportunity for people to interact and strengthen community bonds. "Through teaching crossbow shooting techniques, young people will learn more about the history and customs of their ethnic group. It's also a very effective way to keep the cultural flame alive in modern society," Mr. Dao added.
In recent years, the mass sports movement in Lao Cai province has been developing rapidly. Besides the Minh Tan 3 residential area's crossbow shooting club, the locality also has many other clubs such as those in Phong Du, Luc Yen, and Cam Nhan, creating a vibrant network of activities. These clubs regularly organize exchanges and competitions during holidays, Tet (Lunar New Year), or within the framework of local sports festivals. These simple competitions always attract a large number of people and young people to participate and cheer.
Thanks to this, crossbow shooting is not only a sport that promotes health but also becomes a cultural bridge between communities. Training sessions and competitions help people bond and share experiences, while also contributing to reducing the number of young people involved in social vices. In Minh Tan 3, many families consider participating in the club a regular part of their lives. After work, fathers and sons, brothers and sisters, go to the field to practice together, both for entertainment and to improve their health. This atmosphere makes the residential area warmer and more cohesive.
Beyond just a mass sporting activity, the crossbow shooting club model also opens up many potentials for developing cultural tourism. Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Ha, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Yen Bai Ward, said: “Lao Cai is a locality with many ethnic groups living together with rich cultural identities. Maintaining crossbow shooting clubs not only contributes to preserving traditional culture but can also become an experiential tourism product. Tourists visiting the locality can try shooting crossbows, learn about ethnic culture, and participate in community activities. This is a sustainable approach because it both preserves cultural identity and creates additional livelihoods for local people if organized properly.”
In fact, some members of the Minh Tan 3 residential area's crossbow shooting club have participated in competitions and sports exchanges at the commune and district (formerly) levels, achieving encouraging results. This further affirms the vitality of this folk sport in community life.
From a small group of crossbow enthusiasts, the Minh Tan 3 Neighborhood Crossbow Club has today become a shining example in the local mass sports movement. There, the crossbow is not just a sporting tool, but also a symbol of cultural memory, community solidarity, and pride in national traditions.
Modern life has brought many changes, but the image of people passionately practicing their archery skills in a small shooting range still evokes a simple yet profound message: to preserve cultural identity, we must first begin within the community itself.
And from the soaring crossbows at Minh Tan 3 today, a flame of traditional culture is still being quietly preserved and spread. If it continues to receive attention, investment, and be replicated, this model will certainly become a shining example in building grassroots cultural life in localities.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/giu-lua-van-hoa-tu-nhung-canh-no-post897097.html
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