The program was elaborately staged, deeply imbued with cultural identity and sporting spirit, spreading a lively atmosphere that showcased the strength of the great national unity block while promoting the physical training movement following the example of the great Uncle Hồ.

From the early morning hours, a large number of officials, students, and residents gathered at the Provincial Stadium with eagerness and anticipation to witness the opening ceremony of the province’s largest sporting event. Rhythmic music blended with cheering and applause to create a vibrant atmosphere that spread across the grandstands. At exactly 7:30 AM, the opening ceremony officially began with a parade showcasing the forces of various blocks, athlete delegations, and referees. Leading the block was the bright red National Flag, the sacred symbol of the nation, followed by the Sports Festival Flag and a portrait of President Hồ Chí Minh, the beloved leader and a shining example of physical training.

The parade blocks followed one another into the ceremonial stage amidst continuous applause from the audience, demonstrating pride and the spirit of solidarity. Every step and every formation radiated powerful momentum, affirming that the mass sports movement is developing increasingly deeply and widely, becoming a beautiful feature in the cultural life of the people. A highlight was the parade of 56 athlete delegations coming from various sectors, units, armed forces, and 45 communes and wards. With thousands of athletes participating, each delegation carried the determination to compete with all their might to achieve high results, contributing to the overall success of the festival.

The most sacred and emotional moment in the Opening Ceremony was the torch relay and the lighting of the traditional Festival fire. The flame was taken from the President Hồ Chí Minh Memorial House on Hill E2 and carried back by exemplary and outstanding athletes of the province. When the fire was lit on the torch platform by Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Lê Văn Lương, the entire stadium seemed to light up with pride, symbolizing the will, strength, and aspiration for progress of Điện Biên sports. A prominent feature in the opening ceremony was the welcoming program of the festival with a drum performance titled “Resounding Điện Biên,” which stirred the atmosphere and reenacted the heroic momentum of the historical land of Điện Biên.

The mass sports performance and the lion and dragon dance consisting of three parts were elaborately staged and successfully performed by thousands of soldiers, students, and artists, creating beautiful images and leaving a deep impression on delegates and the people.

Directly watching the opening ceremony, Phạm Thị Tuyết from Residential Group 5, Điện Biên Phủ ward, shared that she had seen many opening programs for various events, but this was one of the most grand and impressive ceremonies. She noted that the ceremony featured both the parade and the very beautiful and meaningful drum and mass performances, reflecting the cultural identity and spirit of the Điện Biên people. Traveling from afar to attend the opening ceremony and cheer for his commune’s athlete delegation, Nguyễn Quyết Thắng from Tuần Giáo commune remarked that he found the ceremony very solemn and meaningful, with a very lively atmosphere where everyone was excited to watch and cheer.

Assessing the 12th Provincial Sports Festival, Trần Hải Hà, Acting Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, affirmed that the opening ceremony took place successfully, ensuring solemnity, safety, and adherence to the planned script. This is the largest festival ever held, with a significant increase in the number of delegations, athletes, and competition categories. He expressed confidence that this Festival would contribute to the even stronger development of the sports movement in the area. The 12th provincial Sports Festival of 2026 will take place over five days from May 7 to May 11, organizing 20 sports with 143 competition events, of which seven sports with 31 events were completed beforehand.

The festival officially organizes competitions for 13 sports with 121 events. It is hoped that with careful preparation and the determined efforts of the athletes, the provincial Sports Festival will be a success and leave a lasting positive impression.