Ho Chi Minh City residents embrace multiple sports through free summer program

In early August, the Ho Chi Minh City Sports Training and Competition Center opened free classes in more than 10 different sports, drawing strong public interest and participation.

The program, which runs through Friday, was organized as part of a broader campaign to bring sports closer to the people.

Ly Dai Nghia, director of the center, said that the initiative was not only a meaningful summer activity, but also a strategic step toward improving the population’s overall well-being.

“This effort is meant to build a modern, dynamic urban community,” Nghia stated.

The program came in response to the city’s relatively low rate of regular physical activity, which currently stands at 37.5 percent.

With a target of raising this figure to 50 percent by 2030, the city’s sports sector has implemented free summer training classes for the second consecutive year.

The program has introduced residents to a wide variety of sports, including pickleball, boxing, yoga, and arnis – the art of fighting with sticks and dance.

It has provided an accessible platform for participants to discover and cultivate a lasting passion for physical activity.

Nguyen Phuong Vy, head of the center’s service division, reported that just two weeks after the opening of the program, over 200 new participants registered to join, generating nearly 6,000 training sessions.

Notably, 70 percent of the participants are teenagers and young adults, many of whom have gravitated toward newer, trendier sports like pickleball and arnis.

Son Lam, a 27-year-old resident of Binh Thanh Ward, signed up for boxing to boost his fitness and relieve work-related stress.

The initiative also fosters stronger community ties by facilitating interaction between professional athletes and the public.

World Muay Thai champion Huynh Ha Huu Hieu has participated in hands-on training sessions, generating excitement and offering inspiration to aspiring athletes.

Despite its success, the program faces significant challenges over courts.

Of the 34 sports managed by the center, only 10 have been included in the free sessions due to limited facilities.

While the free program ends this month, classes will continue from September onward at a modest fee.

With continued public engagement and support, the city’s sports sector aims to transform community health and foster a more active, spirited, and civilized society.