Over 3,000 athletes gathered at the major sports festival in Gia Lai.

Follow Vietnam.vn on On the evening of September 8th, at Quy Nhon Stadium, Gia Lai province held the opening ceremony of the 1st Gia Lai Provincial Sports Festival in 2026 with the theme "Gia Lai Sports - Aspiration for Development". The first Gia Lai Provincial Sports Festival in 2026 will take place from June to September 2026, attracting more than 3,000 athletes, over 600 coaches, and 500 referees from 138 sectors, units, and localities throughout the province, creating a large-scale sports festival. Leading the way were the national flags, the Congress flags, and so on. ...and the procession carrying the portrait of President Ho Chi Minh . Next came the blocks of red flags, the delegations of athletes, and the referees. The presence of thousands of athletes in the colors of their respective delegations created a solemn and vibrant atmosphere at Quy Nhon Stadium. The fitness of the armed forces. The highlight of the ceremony was the procession and lighting of the torch. The flame was carried from the temple of the Three Heroes of Tay Son, symbolizing the continuation of tradition, the spirit of unity, and the aspiration for progress of generations of Gia Lai people. Gia Lai Provincial Party Secretary Thai Dai Ngoc performed the torch-lighting ceremony to inaugurate the event. The flame of the congress blazed brightly. This is the flame of faith, aspiration, and the spirit of national unity. In his opening remarks at the Congress, Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee Pham Anh Tuan said: With the theme "Gia Lai Sports - Aspiration for Development," the congress affirms that development is not only about economic goals but must first begin with people - healthy, dynamic people with the will to strive for success. Within the framework of the National Tourism Year - Gia Lai 2026, the congress is also an opportunity to spread the image of Gia Lai's homeland and people, making sports a bridge for connection, exchange, and inspiration. At this year's Games, athletes competed in 21 sports, including: cross-country running, taekwondo, traditional martial arts, kickboxing, boxing, badminton, table tennis, athletics, karate, vovinam, crossbow shooting, stilt running, stick pushing, tug-of-war, billiards, pickleball, football, Chinese chess, chess, volleyball, and swimming. Despite the light rain, the excitement of the Games remained undiminished. Many people still donned raincoats and gathered in the stands to watch and cheer on the athletes. The first Gia Lai Provincial Sports Festival in 2026 is expected to conclude on September 15th. Gia Lai: Over 400 athletes compete at the National 3x3 Youth Basketball Championship. Source: https://baoxaydung.vn/hon-3000-vdv-cung-hoi-tu-tai-ngay-hoi-the-thao-lon-tai-gia-lai-192260908223125574.htm