Lai Chau holds first marathon on Pavi ancient stone road
Up to 88 professional athletes from provinces and cities across the country, and Japan took part in a marathon on Pavi ancient stone road which ended on April 24 in the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau.
Athletes take part in the 42km category. (Photo: VNA)
Lai Chau (VNA) – Up to 88 professional athletes from provinces and cities across the country, and Japan took part in a marathon on Pavi ancient stone road which ended on April 24 in the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau.
Of these, 28 athletes ran in the 42km category and the remainders competed in the 21km event.
The Pavi ancient stone road was built by the French in 1920 and it took seven years to complete. It was 100km long connecting Lao Cai province’s Bat Xat district and Lai Chau province’s Lai Chau city. During the French colonial period, it was used to transport goods, agricultural products and weapons from Lao Cai to Lai Chau and vice versa. Now the road is only 17km long, stretching from Bat Xat district’s Sang Ma Sao commune to Phong Tho district’s Sin Suoi Ho commune (Lai Chau province).
This is the first time Phong Tho district has organised the marathon on the Pavi ancient stone road in response to the campaign "All people take exercise following Uncle Ho's example" in the 2021-2030 period; a national action programme on tourism in 2020-2025 period with a vision to 2030; and Lai Chau Tourism - Culture Week 2022 as well as to celebrate the 20th division anniversary of Phong Tho district.
Through the tournament, the organising committee wants to exploit the tourism potential, especially promoting th𒈔e image of beautiful nat𝐆ure, friendly and hospitable people of Phong Tho district in particular, and Lai Chau province in general, to domestic and international tourists./.
A marathon race titled “Hanh trinh ve cuc Bac” (journey to the North) held in the northwestern mountainous province of Ha Giang drew the participation of more than 50 runners nationwide during its three-day course, which concluded on December 7.
Nearly 3,000 athletes took part in Tay Ho Half Marathon 2021 organised by the People’s Committee of Hanoi’s Tay Ho district on April 17. Of these, more than 1,000 people competed in half marathon.
Jointly organised by the Da Nang Union of Friendship Organisations, the Vietnam-India Friendship Association in Da Nang, and the Indian Embassy in Vietnam at Tien Son Sports Arena, the event also aimed to foster friendship between Vietnam, India, and other countries.
A standout feature this year is “Manga Fest 2025”, showcasing celebrated comic titles and also offering author meet-and-greets, cosplay performances, and other interactive activities.
The programme featured a range of activities, including group practice sessions of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), Vietnamese–Indian cultural performances, a commemorative flag handover ceremony for clubs, and a beach clean-up to help protect the marine environment.
This year’s tournament has gathered over 300 coaches, athletes, and referees from 18 countries and territories, competing in 28 combat weight categories and eight performance categories. Vietnam’s team has 50 athletes, including six from Thai Nguyen province.
It is the first time that the country is to hold a G1-level tournament which is expected to lure more than 100 athletes of 15 countries and regions at Go Vap Gymnasium.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
Athletes take part in the 42km category. (Photo: VNA) 
