Record-Breaking Turnout Defines Gia Lai Festival
The 9th International Festival of Vietnamese Traditional Martial Arts – Gia Lai 2026 concluded its multi-day run on August 5, 2026, drawing thousands of practitioners and spectators to the Central Highlands province. The event featured 102 martial arts delegations comprising 2,242 masters, instructors, and disciples from 16 international delegations across 10 countries and regions, according to the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee.
High-Level Collaboration Across Central Highlands
Co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee, the Vietnam Traditional Martial Arts Federation, and the World Federation of Vietnam Traditional Martial Arts, the festival operated under the theme “Vietnam Traditional Martial Arts – Radiant Essence.” Events took place from August 2 to August 5 across Quy Nhon Dong and various communes and wards within Gia Lai province.
Cultural Exchange and Chivalric Values
Speaking at the closing ceremony held at the Gia Lai Province Conference Center, Nguyen Thi Thanh Lich, Vice Chairwoman of the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee, stated that the festival was the largest-scale iteration held to date.
According to Lich, the event demonstrated the strong vitality of Vietnamese traditional martial arts and its growing international appeal. It served not only as high-level athletic competition but also as a cultural exchange vehicle designed to spread chivalric values.
Torch Processions and Mass Performances
The festival’s itinerary included incense-burning rituals, sacred fire-lighting ceremonies, traditional torch processions, and a mass performance featuring more than 1,200 martial arts masters and disciples at Nguyen Tat Thanh Square in Quy Nhon Dong. Participants also engaged in exhibition programs, cultural exchanges, and visits to historical and cultural heritage sites throughout Gia Lai province.
Momentum for UNESCO Heritage Bid
Provincial officials noted that the successful organization of the festival provides vital momentum for the ongoing preparation and promotion of the “Vinh Dinh Traditional Martial Arts” dossier slated for submission to UNESCO. Organizers stated that the initiative highlights Vietnam’s commitment to preserving and promoting national cultural heritage values while establishing Gia Lai as a welcoming destination with distinct cultural identity.
Gia Lai 1 Dominates Club Championship
Alongside the cultural exhibitions, the 15th National Traditional Martial Arts Club Championship took place in the province from July 28 to August 5, 2026. At the closing ceremony, the organizing committee distributed medals, certificates, and overall team flags to top-performing athletes, coaches, and delegations.
In the overall team standings, the organizing committee awarded two first-place prizes, two second-place prizes, and two third-place prizes, split evenly across the performance (phuyen thau) and combat (doi khang) divisions. Both first-place prizes were captured by the Gia Lai 1 team, which secured 24 gold, 9 silver, and 10 bronze medals in performance events alongside 6 gold, 4 silver, and 5 bronze medals in combat disciplines.