Nhan Dan Newspaper picks out prominent culture, sports and tourism events of 2021

Nhan Dan (People) Newspaper has picked out the following selection of noteworthy culture, sports and tourism events of 2021:

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and delegates at the opening ceremony of the National Cultural Conference in Hanoi on November 24 (Photo: VNA)
Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and delegates at the opening ceremony of the National Cultural Conference in Hanoi on November 24 (Photo: VNA)

1. The National Cultural Conference to implement the 13th National Party Congress’ Resolution

The National Cultural Conference to implement the 13th National Party Congress’ Resolution opened on November 24. Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong attended and delivered a speech at the conference.

The event aimed to review the implementation of the Party’s orientations, policies, resolutions, directions and conclusions regarding cultural and art activities over the years, as well as the outcomes of the development of the Vietnamese culture and people after 35 years of the “Doi Moi” (Renewal) cause, while also defining new orientations and tasks in the work for the 2021-2026 period with a view to 2045.

It also served as a venue for cultural experts, intellectuals and artists to foster solidarity in thoughts and actions, while connecting cultural forces inside and outside the country to serve the nation, optimising the strength from the national great unity to successfully implement the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress.

2. Vietnam’s Xoe Thai accredited as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Xoe Thai is a unique form of traditional dance associated with the daily life of Thai ethnic communities in the northwest of Vietnam (Photo: VNA)

The art of Xoe dance of the Thai ethnic people in Vietnam was listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 15 during the 16th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Xoe Thai is a unique form of traditional dance associated with the daily life of Thai ethnic communities in the northwest of Vietnam and plays a significant role in their lives.

UNESCO's recognition of Xoe Thai affirms is an international affirmation of Vietnam’s rich, diverse and distinctive cultural heritage while contributing to public raising awareness of heritage values as well as their responsibility for preserving and upholding the heritage in contemporary life.

3. Activities mark 100th anniversary of Vietnam’s theatre

The Vietnam Stage Artists Association in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism held a panoply of activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Vietnam’s theatre from October 21 to 27.

Prominent among the activities included a gala at the Hanoi Opera House on October 27, the National Drama Festival, and the staging of ‘Chen Thuoc Doc’ (A Cup of Poison) - the first Western-style play in the history of Vietnam, authored by Vu Dinh Long (1896-1960), who has been widely recognised as the “Father” of Vietnamese theatre.

4. The 22nd Vietnam National Film Festival

The 22nd Vietnam National Film Festival took place in Hue city in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue from November 18-20 under the motto of “Building a Vietnamese Film Industry Rich in National Identity, Modernity and Humanity”.

The event featured 128 films from 42 units, including 26 motion pictures, 56 documentaries, 15 scientific films, and 31 animated films. The festival gave individual awards to honour the best director, best scriptwriter, best cameraman, best actor and actress, best musician, and best director of photography.

5. Female boxer wins first-ever WBO world belt for Vietnam

Boxer Nguyen Thi Thu Nhi wins first-ever WBO world belt for Vietnam (Photo: Cocky Buffalo)

Nguyen Thi Thu Nhi has become Vietnam's first World Boxing Organisation champion after defeating her Japanese opponent Etsuko Tada in a fight in the women's mini-flyweight title fight on October 23 in Ansan, the Republic of Korea.

This is not only the first WBO World belt for Vietnamese boxing but also the first professional title for a boxer from Vietnam.

6. Vietnam tourism bags many prestigious international awards

Vietnam’s tourism sector won many prestigious international awards in 2021 despite being heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Accordingly, the country was honoured as the ‘Leading destination in Asia’ and the ‘Leading sustainable tourism destination in Asia’ at the 2021 World Travel Awards (WTA), the ‘Best Golf Destination in Asia and the World’ at the eighth annual World Golf Awards, and ‘Asia's Best River Cruise Destination’ at World Cruise Awards.

7. National Dance and Music Festival 2021

A performance at the National Dance and Music Festival 2021 (Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn)

The National Dance and Music Festival 2021 was held at the Thang Tam (August) Theatre, in Hai Phong City, from November 11 to 28 by the Department of Performing Arts in collaboration with the Vietnamese Musicians Association, the Vietnam Dancing Artists' Association, and the Hai Phong City Department of Culture and Sports.

The event, which brought together more than 1,000 artists from 19 professional art and dance units nationwide, provided an opportunity for the artists to exchange experiences and improve their professional skills.

8. Vietnamese martial artist rakes in triple golds at Asian Karate Championships

Vietnam settled for sixth place overall among the 23 participating delegations with three gold medals and one bronze at the 2021 Asian Karate Championships held in Kazakhstan in mid-December.

Of which, Hoang Thi My Tam claimed two gold medals in the senior and U21 Kumite events. She also teamed up with Nguyen Thi Ngoan and Ho Thi Thu Hien to beat the United Arab Emirates (UAE) opponents 2-1 on December 22 to claim the women’s team Kumite title.

Vietnam’s sole bronze was secured by Ho Thi Thu Hien in the women’s Kumite 68kg event.