On August 17, the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City coordinated with the Department of Physical Training and Sports of Vietnam and the Vietnam Boating Racing Federation to organize the opening ceremony of the National Traditional Boat Racing Championship; and the National Youth Canoeing Championship for U21 and U23 in 2025 at Da Bang Lake (Nghia Thanh Commune).
The tournaments attracted more than 780 athletes and coaches from 19 provinces and cities across the country to participate. In the Canoeing tournament, athletes will compete in 32 events for youth groups; 31 events for U21 groups; 34 events for U23 groups; for both men and women with 2 types of Canoe and Kayak boats. The Canoeing competition will take place until August 18.
In the traditional boat racing tournament, athletes will compete in 18 events for men, women and mixed-use women, using 10 and 20 rowing boats. It is expected to take place from August 20 to 22.
Immediately after the opening ceremony, the Organizing Committee awarded prizes to the teams with high achievements in the previous Canoeing events, and at the same time started competing in the 200m distance events.
According to the Organizing Committee, the tournaments are organized to continue the campaign "All people exercise following the example of great Uncle Ho" and develop the movement of people participating in water sports.
The tournament also promotes the development of the Canoeing and Traditional Boat Racing movements that are increasingly spreading across the country as well as water sports. Thereby, preserving and promoting the cultural and sports traditions of the ethnic groups; enhancing understanding, exchange, and solidarity between localities.
In addition, the tournament also aims to test and evaluate the results of training quality and training athletes to select forces to compete in the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand. And preparing a gathering location, a project to host the 10th National Sports Festival in 2026.
