Gia Lai Province to Preserve and Promote Bình Định Traditional Martial Arts, Aiming for UNESCO Recognition

Gia Lai Province is embarking on a comprehensive plan to preserve and promote Bình Định traditional martial arts, following its recent designation as a cultural property by UNESCO. The initiative, formalized through a plan signed by Nguyễn Thị Thanh Lịch, Vice Chairman of the Gia Lai Province People’s Committee, will run from 2026 to 2030.

Digitization and Database Development

A key component of the plan involves the continued digitization of collection and preservation activities in Bình Định Province. This effort aims to build a complete database and digital library system dedicated to Bình Định traditional martial arts, ensuring its long-term accessibility and study.

Expanding the Quang Trung Emperor’s Cup

Gia Lai Province intends to develop the annual Quang Trung Emperor’s Cup, a traditional martial arts competition, into a regional event by 2028, encompassing the Central-Central Highlands region. By 2030, the ambition is to elevate the competition to a national level.

International Festivals and National Competitions

The region plans to host the 9th and 10th “International Traditional Martial Arts Festivals” in 2026 and 2029, respectively. Gia Lai aims for its traditional martial arts team to achieve top rankings at both the National Sports Competition and the National Traditional Martial Arts Competition, with a goal of producing 3 to 5 athletes for the national team each year.

“Bình Định Boxing Night” as a Tourism Product

The “Bình Định Boxing Night” program, already established as a branded event, will be further developed as a unique tourism product. Gia Lai City plans to extend the program to both eastern and western Gia Lai, integrating it with travel products and tours that showcase Bình Định traditional martial arts through sightseeing, performances, and experiential activities.

Establishing Martial Arts Schools and a Dedicated Center

By 2030, Bình Định Province aims to establish at least 10 exemplary martial arts schools that meet the standards for tourism activities. The province also plans to complete the establishment of the Bình Định Traditional Martial Arts Center, which will focus on research, conservation, training, and education related to tourism development.

Key Focus Areas

To effectively achieve these goals, Gia Lai Province will concentrate on six key tasks:

• Strengthening publicity and promotion of Bình Định traditional martial arts.
• Promoting research, collection, and preservation of Bình Định traditional martial arts heritage.
• Developing Bình Định traditional martial arts training throughout the province.
• Promoting Bình Định traditional martial arts even as fostering high-performance sports.
• Developing Binh Dinh traditional martial arts training throughout Gia Lai Province.
• Strengthening national-level management, investing in infrastructure, and establishing policies for preservation and promotion.

Support for Martial Arts Practitioners

The People’s Committee of Gia Lai Province will collaborate with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and relevant agencies to implement the plan. Support plans and regulations will be developed for martial arts instructors, including financial assistance for costumes, equipment, and training tools. Recognition and rewards will be given to instructors who contribute significantly to the education, collection, and preservation of Bình Định traditional martial arts.

Digital Infrastructure and Research

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has been tasked with managing the development of a website and digital database for Bình Định traditional martial arts. The Ministry will also organize scientific research, collect and organize martial arts forms, and collaborate with cultural research institutes and scientists both domestically and internationally.