Opening ceremony of the tug-of-war competition at the Ho Chi Minh City Sports Festival 2026.

VHO - On the morning of May 16th, at the Can Gio Commune Sports Center, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, in coordination with the Can Gio Commune People's Committee, organized the opening ceremony of the tug-of-war competition at the 1st Ho Chi Minh City Sports Festival in 2026.

Tug-of-war is one of the 44 competitive sports at the 2026 Ho Chi Minh City Sports Festival and also the second of three sports to be held in Can Gio commune.

The competition attracted a large number of athletes from 24 delegations.

The competition took place from May 14th to 18th, attracting approximately 1,200 athletes from 24 units across the city.

Teams competed in 12 events, including 6 indoor and 6 outdoor events. With a large number of athletes and a vibrant competitive atmosphere, tug-of-war promised to create many exciting competitions and contribute to spreading the mass sports movement.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Vo Thi Diem Phuong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Gio Commune, praised the efforts of the coaches, athletes, referees, and support staff who contributed to creating a vibrant atmosphere for the Games.

Local representatives also affirmed that they would ensure good organization, professional standards, venues, and logistics so that the athletes could compete with peace of mind.

Representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports presented certificates of merit from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports to individuals from the Ho Chi Minh City tug-of-war team who achieved outstanding results at the 33rd SEA Games.

Representatives of the refereeing team and participating athletes also pledged to officiate and compete fairly, in accordance with the rules, and to uphold the spirit of fair play.

On this occasion, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports awarded certificates of merit from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports to 24 individuals from the Ho Chi Minh City tug-of-war team for their outstanding achievements at the 33rd SEA Games held in Thailand at the end of 2025.

This activity not only encourages athletes to continue training and competing but also contributes to promoting the movement of "All people practicing physical training following the example of the great President Ho Chi Minh," thereby spreading the spirit of sportsmanship widely in the community.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/khai-mac-mon-keo-co-dai-hoi-tdtt-tphcm-2026-228485.html