Present at the opening ceremony were Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Education and Training, Nguyen Thien Nhan, representatives from ministries and central agencies, as well as leaders of provinces and cities nationwide.

The opening ceremony was highlighted by a torch procession from the Hung Kings temple complex to the stadium, which symbolized the sporting spirit of Vietnamese people. There was a special art performance given by nearly 3,000 students in Phu Tho province.

The festival attracted the participation of 5,800 athletes who will compete for 382 sets of medals in 17 events, including track and field, swimming, table-tennis, volleyball, shuttle-cock, badminton, basketball, gymnastics and wrestling.

The festival will close on August 9.