Lam Dong Encourages Everyone to Choose a Sport
An online registration and survey campaign launched by Lam Dong's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in mid-October 2026 has highlighted key trends in public participation in physical activity, providing useful insights for the continued development of community sports across the province.
Choosing a Sport That Fits
For Nguyen Thi Dieu Hien, born in 1974 and living in Lam Vien–Da Lat Ward, walking has been a favorite form of exercise for more than 10 years.
With a flexible work schedule, she takes every opportunity to walk when she has free time. “Whatever sport you choose, you need a schedule, a class and training partners, and you have to stick to the timetable. With walking, you can go whenever you want—morning, afternoon or evening. You can walk alone, or with friends, which is even more enjoyable. All it takes is determination and patience,” Hien said.
She believes Da Lat's cool climate and hilly terrain make it well suited to walking and jogging for fitness. She aims to walk 10,000 steps a day, tracking her progress with a smartphone. Her usual routes include a circuit around Xuan Huong Lake, which is more than 5 km long, and the campus of Da Lat University near her home. Both offer attractive scenery and suitable spaces for exercise and relaxation.
For Hien, walking has become part of her daily routine. After going without it for a few days, she feels that something is missing. Regular exercise has noticeably improved her health. Occasionally, she switches to a slow jog or a brisk walk to increase the intensity.
“After a long day sitting at a computer and working on my phone, walking helps me recharge,” she said with a smile.
Meanwhile, Do Thi Mong Diep, born in 1987 and living in Ward 2 Bao Loc, runs a beauty care business and has chosen yoga to stay healthy. For more than a year, she has regularly attended a club near her home, practicing on weekday mornings from Monday to Friday.
Her work at the salon involves long periods of sitting and little physical activity, while caring for her three young children takes up much of her time. After friends recommended yoga, she decided to try it to improve her health and build a regular exercise habit.
“Since taking up yoga, my health has improved noticeably, and I feel less tired at work. I spend an hour exercising each morning. Gradually, it has become part of my daily routine,” Diep said.
A Wide Range of Sports to Choose From
In mid-October, more than 6,500 people attended the launch of the 2026 campaign encouraging everyone to choose at least one suitable sport for regular practice at Lam Vien Square in Xuan Huong–Da Lat Ward. Alongside the event, Lam Dong's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism introduced province-wide registration through QR codes. According to the department, Lam Dong was the only locality in Vietnam to use this registration method at the launch event.
The online campaign recorded 16,739 registrations. People aged 31–50 accounted for the largest share, at 59%, followed by those under 18 at 15.4%, those over 50 at 13.9%, and people aged 18–30 at 11.7%.
Walking and running topped the list of selected activities, with 9,335 registrations, or 55.8%. Badminton followed with 4,119 registrations (24.8%), volleyball and soft volleyball with 3,070 (18.3%), and football with 2,157 (12.9%).
Other choices included yoga, aerobics and wellness exercises (9.2%); pickleball (7.3%); swimming (6.8%); fitness and gym training (5.3%); table tennis (3%); martial arts (2.6%); and tennis (1.2%).
One notable finding was that women accounted for a larger share of registrations than men: 58.1% compared with 41.9%. The survey also found that 43.5% of respondents exercised regularly, defined as three to five times a week.
The results suggest that community sports are attracting broad participation, including among women, and that people across different age groups are choosing a variety of activities. These findings provide a basis for authorities to develop exercise opportunities suited to different groups.
The Lam Dong Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said it would continue working with local authorities to maintain and expand sports clubs and exercise groups. It also plans to encourage friendly exchanges and competitions suited to local conditions, helping residents sustain regular physical activity.
Huynh Ngoc Tam, Deputy Director of the Lam Dong Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said QR-code registration was a new approach to public communication, mobilization and data collection. It would provide the sector with a stronger basis for planning and implementing community sports activities.
“We will strengthen coordination with local authorities, link campaigns promoting physical activity with more effective use of existing sports facilities and infrastructure, and continue organizing promotional programs while assessing their actual impact at the grassroots level,” Tam said.