The tournament takes place from August 23 to 29, bringing together 12 teams from different regions. The teams compete in four groups.
In addition to four representatives from the host delegation Lao Cai, including Nghia Lo Ward and the communes of Lam Thuong, Vo Lao and Luc Yen, the tournament features eight teams representing different regions: Van Son Commune in Phu Tho Province, Pac Ta Commune in Lai Chau Province, Muong Pon Commune in Dien Bien Province, Lam Binh Commune in Tuyen Quang Province, Nam Tuan Commune in Cao Bang Province, Quy Hop Commune in Nghe An Province, Ea Pal Commune in Dak Lak Province and Dak Doa Commune in Gia Lai Province.
The highlight of the opening ceremony was an art programme featuring performances titled “Lao Cai on a New Day”, “Northwest Dance”, “Vietnamese Warrior Roses” and “Dance of Mutual Affection”.
The performances recreated the beauty of the land, people and culture of ethnic groups in Muong Lo and the north-western region, while creating a vibrant atmosphere and helping spread the spirit of sport, solidarity and enthusiasm of the tournament.
The gathering of representatives from localities with different living conditions, customs and sports movements created a colourful and diverse picture, offering equal opportunities for ethnic minority women to train, compete and confidently express themselves in a shared nationwide space.
A highlight of the tournament is that the female players compete in outfits developed from their ethnic groups’ traditional costumes. The combination of distinctive brocade materials and patterns with the requirements of sports movement promises to create a unique aesthetic, thereby expressing ethnic pride.
Each match therefore becomes a lively cultural performance space, honouring the heritage of ethnic communities.
After the opening ceremony, amid rainy weather, a slippery pitch and a wet ball, the host team Lam Thuong defeated Pac Ta of Lai Chau 2-1.
Earlier in the morning, two matches took place. Nghia Lo of Lao Cai lost 1-2 to Van Son of Phu Tho, while Vo Lao of Lao Cai drew 1-1 with Muong Pon of Dien Bien.
