Party leader To Lam presents the First-Class Labor Order to Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung in recognition of the achievements of the Sports Authority of Vietnam, Hanoi, March 28, 2026.

Addressing a ceremony marking the 80th Traditional Day of Vietnam’s sports sector (March 27) in Hanoi, the Party leader said high-performance sports have strengthened Vietnam’s global standing, promoted its cultural values, enhanced international exchanges, and popularized the image of the country and its people worldwide.

He stressed that Vietnam is entering a new stage of development with higher demands for human resource quality, physical fitness, public health, national competitiveness and overall quality of life, requiring a more comprehensive view of the role of sports.

“First, it is necessary to urgently improve the institutional framework for sports development in a modern and coordinated manner, laying the foundation for long-term growth. Second, mass sports must be strongly promoted as the central and long-term task of the sector in the new period,” said Mr. Lam.

“Third, physical education and school sports must be strengthened, as they form the foundation of Vietnam’s human development strategy. Fourth, special attention must be paid to preserving and developing traditional sports and forms of physical activity associated with community culture.”

The Party leader urged the development of high-performance sports in a professional, scientific, fair and sustainable manner, the expansion of the concept of sports to include both physical and intellectual activities, and greater socialization of sports development with clear orientation and accountability.

He also called for expanded international cooperation to enhance Vietnam’s sports standing and learn from global best practices.

At the ceremony, Party General Secretary To Lam awarded the First-Class Labor Order to the Sports Authority of Vietnam.