We may see Vietnam as a very traditional country from the food, clothing, and religion that they have inherited from the Chinese. But Vietnam has a traditional sport that is far from the ways of the Chinese. It is a form of wrestling called Dau Vat which is very well known across the country.

Now in the modern days, soccer has captured the hearts of the Vietnamese people, and even the kids play informal games on the streets and in parks.

Vietnam also holds a four-year multi-sport event involving participants throughout the country. It is called the "Vietnam National Games" where the goals are:

  1. To examine the training cycle of the athletes.
  2. To encourage each city in training new athletes
  3. To exercise the national sporting athletes for international competitions

One of the most successful athletes from Vietnam is Lee Nguyen. He is regarded to be the most popular midfielder in Vietnam and is playing for the New England Revolution in Major League Soccer.

football game in Vietnam

Football game in Vietnam

Vietnam has been a participant in the Olympic Games since 1952 with exception to 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and the Winter Olympics. However, they have only received five medals from athletes like Tran Hieu Ngan (2000 Sydney, TaeKwonDo) and Hoang Anh Tuan (2008 Beijing, Weightlifting).

Below are details of sports, sporting events and sports people related to Vietnam.

Local or Traditional Sports of Vietnam

  • Vovinam — a Vietnamese martial art.
  • Vocotruyen - Vietnam Traditional Martial Arts
  • Dau Vat — Vietnamese wrestling
  • Tau Co Tuong - This is a traditional Chinese board game, which is popular in Vietnam
"Vietnam's sporting culture represents a fascinating blend of indigenous traditions like Dau Vat wrestling and Vovinam martial arts with the global appeal of football. This combination gives Vietnamese athletics a unique identity in Southeast Asian sport."
— Robert J. Wood, PhD, Founder of Topend Sports

Vietnamese Sporting Success

  • The national football team won the ASEAN Football Championship twice, in 2008 and 2018
  • Vietnam won 2 Olympic medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics (1 gold and 1 silver)
  • Vietnam won 1 bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics
  • Vietnam won 1 silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympics
  • Vietnam won 1 silver medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympics

Historic Achievement

Hoang Xuan Vinh's gold medal at Rio 2016 ended Vietnam's 64-year wait for Olympic gold since first competing in 1952.

View Vietnam Olympic History →
"Hoang Xuan Vinh's gold medal in Rio 2016 was more than just a sporting achievement - it demonstrated that Vietnamese athletes can compete at the highest level on the world stage. This breakthrough has inspired a new generation of Vietnamese athletes."
— Robert Wood, founder of Topend Sports

Great Athletes from Vietnam

  • Lee Nguyen (soccer)
  • Bui Thi Nhung (track and field)
  • Vu Thi Huong (track and field)
  • Nguyen Thi Anh Vien (swimming)
  • Hoang Xuan Vinh (shooter)
  • Tran Thi My Dung (weight lifting)

Vietnam Sports Trivia

  • Hoang Xuan Vinh won Vietnam's first-ever Olympic gold medal by winning the men's 10m air pistol in Rio 2016.
  • Vietnam was scheduled to host its first Formula One Grand Prix in 2020, but the event was cancelled due to the global pandemic.

Vietnam at Major Events

Past Sporting Events Hosted in Vietnam

Coming Soon

Da Nang will host the 2027 World Beach Games, showcasing Vietnam's growing role in international sporting events.

Learn About World Beach Games →

Upcoming Sporting Events in Vietnam

Annual Sporting Events Held in Vietnam

  • Vietnam National Games - multi-sport event held every four years
  • The Vietnam Open - This is an annual tennis tournament, which is held in Ho Chi Minh City.
  • The Vietnam National Football Cup - This is an annual football tournament held in Vietnam.
  • The Vietnam National Swimming Championships - This is an annual swimming competition held in Vietnam.
  • The Vietnam National Athletics Championships - This is an important annual athletics competition which is contested by some of the top athletes in Vietnam.
  • The Vietnam National Cycling Championships - This is an annual cycling competition in Vietnam.

Sporting Facilities in Vietnam

  • Can Tho Stadium (San van dong Can Tho) - in Can Tho
  • My Dinh National Stadium (San van dong Quoc gia My Dinh) - in Hanoi
"Vietnam's investment in sporting infrastructure, including the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi, reflects the country's growing commitment to developing elite sports programs and hosting international competitions."
— According to sports science expert Robert Wood

Is there something missing? If you know of something that should be listed here, please let me know.