Along Mường Thanh Walking Street in Điện Biên Phủ ward, the tug-of-war competition drew large crowds of spectators and supporters. More than 130 athletes across six delegations competed. As the referee’s command sounded, team members dug their heels in unison, leaned back, and pulled the rope with full force. Coordinated teamwork and athletic determination produced gripping back-and-forth contests.

Outside the arena, spectators followed intently, their cheers and applause fueling the competing squads. Nguyễn Thu Hiền, a visitor from Thái Nguyên province, enthusiastically cheered on the competitors. Hiền shared: “I especially love tug-of-war. Watching the teams compete, I truly felt their solidarity and fierce determination. The matches also generated an exhilarating sporting ambiance that captivated onlookers.”

While tug-of-war captivated audiences through raw strength and unity, pa pao throwing derived its allure from throws demanding dexterity and precision. In each round, athletes focused intensely, calibrating momentum and throwing trajectories. Spectators followed the flight of the pao balls, awaiting the outcomes and offering warm rounds of applause after each attempt.

Ly Thị Hương, a pa pao athlete from Tuyên Quang province, concentrated on executing her team’s routine alongside her teammates. Within 10 minutes, pao balls were continuously tossed into the air, requiring nimble agility and seamless coordination among team members. For Hương, competing at the festival also presented an opportunity to meet and interact with athletes from various localities, sharing their mutual passion for the traditional pastime.

“I am delighted to participate in the pa pao throwing contest at the festival and interact with athletes from diverse provinces. This is a folk game intimately entwined with the cultural life of the Hmông people, often featured during festive occasions and community gatherings. I hope more people come to know this game so residents and tourists can learn more about Hmông ethnic culture,” Hương shared.

The appeal of traditional sports was further demonstrated through stick pushing, crossbow shooting, and tù lu. Each discipline features its own competitive format, requiring athletes to marshal strength, skill, and deep focus. Intense rivalries, technical displays, and enthusiastic fan encouragement created vibrant colors for the festival, offering spectators rich insights into athletic pursuits tied to Hmông cultural heritage.

Taking place from October 9 to 11, 2026, the 4th Hmông Ethnic Cultural Festival brought together over 220 athletes from eight delegations: Điện Biên, Tuyên Quang, Phú Thọ, Thái Nguyên, Đắk Lắk, Cao Bằng, Lai Châu, and Lào Cai. The six competitive disciplines - women’s football, tù lu, stick pushing, tug-of-war, crossbow shooting, and pa pao throwing - offered a diverse competitive program, fusing sporting vigor with the introduction of authentic Hmông folk pastimes.

A key highlight of the 4th festival was the inaugural inclusion of women’s football in the official competition program, featuring players from Điện Biên, Tuyên Quang, and Thái Nguyên. The fixtures provided an interactive and competitive arena for female athletes, drawing keen interest from fans. Matches were also livestreamed across social media platforms, enabling residents and tourists to watch and cheer, thereby spreading the festive atmosphere to wider audiences.

Hoàng Thị Huyền Hương, Captain of the Tuyên Quang women’s football team, shared: “Competing at the festival is a true joy and a great opportunity for us to interact and learn from teams representing other localities. With women’s football organized at the festival for the first time, our players gave their absolute best, hoping to gain meaningful experiences, foster solidarity, and contribute to promoting the cultural beauty of the Hmông community.”

According to Phạm Trung Hiếu, Deputy Director of the Điện Biên provincial Culture and Sports Center, traditional Hmông sports received enthusiastic reception and support from local residents and tourists. Folk games such as tug-of-war, pa pao throwing, stick pushing, and tù lu organized within the festival framework allow familiar cultural values to remain active in community life. Regarding women’s football, its debut expanded the scope of sporting exchanges, creating added opportunities for female athletes to showcase their talents and attracting spectator engagement. Through witnessing, cheering, and partaking in these activities, the public gained richer perspectives on the distinct heritage of the Hmông people.

Drawing competitive days to a close, the sporting events at the 4th Hmông Ethnic Cultural Festival left a memorable impression through fair play, bonding among athletic delegations, and spectator warmth. Preserving and organizing traditional sporting events within the festival framework contributes to conserving folk games, providing a vibrant setting where the cultural heritage of the Hmông community continues to be passed down and disseminated across communal life.