This was not only a sporting event but also a meaningful cultural occasion that helped promote the image of Điện Biên to domestic friends. The success of the tournament once again affirmed the province’s ability to organize major sporting events and laid a solid foundation for preparing the team to participate in the 10th National Sports Festival in 2026.

The opening day of the 13th National Tug-of-War Championship took place in an enthusiastic atmosphere, with more than 500 athletes and coaches from 19 teams across the country. The opening ceremony was carefully organized, blending tradition and modernity. Special performances, showcasing the heroic image of Điện Biên, along with ethnic dances like those of the Thái and Mông people, left a deep impression.

This year’s championship included a total of 36 events, evenly split between 18 indoor and 18 outdoor competitions. From the first matches, the spectators witnessed intense and powerful tug-of-war, full of strength but also skillful techniques. Teams from Hà Nội, Hồ Chí Minh City, Quảng Nam, Sơn La, Hòa Bình, and the host team Điện Biên quickly displayed tight strategies and seamless teamwork, making the atmosphere at the province’s multi-purpose sports hall incredibly lively.

This year’s tournament gathered most of the top tug-of-war athletes from across the country, and well-established names in national competitions showcased stunning performances. From the gripping struggles to decisive pulls, and the team’s synchronized cooperation, the competition created a dynamic picture of a sport that may seem simple but requires strength, technique, and high-level tactics. The indoor events demonstrated sharp focus and well-planned strategies, bringing tense matches that could rival other mentally demanding sports.

After the indoor events, the outdoor competitions kicked off under the scorching heat of Điện Biên’s early summer, with great excitement at the provincial stadium. The rope stretched under the pull of two teams, as every step searched for firm footing, with cheers echoing through the stands. Spectators and teammates continuously cheered, creating a lively atmosphere and boosting the athletes’ energy.

On the final day, the intensity of the competition peaked with a series of finals in events that drew special attention from the audience. The high-level contests between “heavyweight” opponents, with unexpected strategies, brought both breathtaking moments and moments of glorious victory.

Athlete Nguyễn Đặng Trung Thuật, captain of the male tug-of-war team from Hồ Chí Minh City, and his teammates won 3 gold medals in the men’s team events: 600kg, 510kg, and 420kg. In the joy of victory, Trung Thuật shared: “Last year, we competed in Đắk Lắk province, and this year we are in Điện Biên, where the weather is quite cold. We were provided with excellent conditions to practice on the training grounds, which helped us feel more comfortable. Everyone here in Điện Biên is very friendly, and the tournament’s organization is very professional, which made us comfortable in our competition. Winning 3 gold medals is a great experience, not only bringing us honor but also providing our team with more funding to support the tug-of-war events in the upcoming years. I hope the sport of tug-of-war continues to grow.”

“When we are at our unit, we’re used to intense training, so competing here was not too difficult. However, the other provinces also have very strong athletes, so we had to focus more, warm up properly, and ensure we were fully ready before each match. The most important thing is to keep a relaxed mind, as it makes the competition easier,” Trung Thuật added.

After eight days of continuous competition, the high-spirited sportsmanship was highlighted, and the 13th National Tug-of-War Championship concluded successfully, delivering impressive performances that demonstrated strength, endurance, and teamwork. According to the organizers, the competition was conducted according to plan and regulations. The referees were impartial and objective, making accurate decisions that contributed to the success of the event. Security measures were tightly implemented, with authorities on standby to ensure the safety of the athletes and spectators. Additionally, healthcare services for the athletes were also prioritized, with medical teams ready to handle any potential situations. The thoughtful and professional organization by Điện Biên received positive feedback from the participating teams.

Not only was the event successful in terms of organization, but the quality of competition was also highly praised. National referee Hoàng Anh Tuấn stated: “The standout team this year was Hồ Chí Minh City, with excellent preparation, great achievements, and high-quality skills. Other provinces also fielded strong teams, having undergone extensive training in preparation for the 2026 National Sports Festival. While the weather conditions in the Northwest made it a bit difficult for teams from the South, their excellent preparation helped them perform well. Notably, teams from Quảng Nam, Ninh Bình, and Gia Lai, which had been average in previous tournaments, showed significant improvement this year due to their well-structured selection and training, achieving remarkable results.”

As the final whistle blew, 36 sets of medals were awarded to the teams with outstanding performances. The Hồ Chí Minh City team showed their overwhelming strength by winning 8 out of the 19 gold medals available. This impressive result confirmed Hồ Chí Minh City’s dominance in national tug-of-war competitions. For the host Điện Biên, the enthusiastic support from local fans fueled the team to compete with full effort and exceed their target set before the tournament. With 1 gold medal, 1 silver medal, and 6 bronze medals, Điện Biên had a successful tournament, creating strong momentum for the development of tug-of-war in the province in the coming years.

The 13th National Tug-of-War Championship was not only a series of intense matches but also an opportunity for athletes to explore and experience the unique culture of Điện Biên. Side activities, such as participating in the Hoa Ban Festival and visiting the Hoàng Công Chất Temple Festival, provided memorable moments and a deep cultural impression of Điện Biên. Visiting historical sites like A1 Hill, the De Castries Tunnel, and the Điện Biên Phủ Victory Monument helped the athletes gain a better understanding of the nation’s glorious history. The beautiful images of the land, people, and culture of Điện Biên were widely spread through the athletes’ exciting experiences in this historic place.

The teams bid farewell to Điện Biên, taking with them beautiful memories and valuable medals. The legacy of the tournament remains, as the passion and spirit of sportsmanship were ignited on this historic land, promising a bright future for Vietnam’s tug-of-war sport. Điện Biên successfully fulfilled its role as the host, leaving a lasting impression on participants and spectators alike.