Tiếng ViệtOn May 7, Venezuela’s Minister of Sports, Franklin Cardillo, expressed a strong desire to enhance sports cooperation with Vietnam, particularly by officially introducing Vovinam–Vietnamese martial arts–into the country’s physical education programs. This move would make Venezuela the first country in Latin America to establish a Vovinam training center.
During a meeting with Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela, Mr. Vu Trung My, Minister Cardillo reaffirmed Venezuela’s commitment to the late President Hugo Chavez’s vision of building a nationwide sports culture. This strategy aims to ensure that all citizens have access to physical activities to improve their quality of life.
Ambassador Vu Trung My wearing the Venezuelan national Olympic team shirt presented by Minister Franklin Cardillo. (Photo: Embassy provided)
In addition to promoting public health, the Minister emphasized that the national sports policy also plays a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young athletic talent, thereby helping Venezuela gain greater global recognition in the world of sports. Venezuela, with a population of 28 million, is currently among the top six Latin American countries in terms of Olympic achievements.
Martial arts are becoming increasingly popular among Venezuelans, especially the youth—not only for physical fitness but also for developing discipline, resilience, and self-defense skills. With its unique combination of martial techniques and moral education, Vovinam is expected to be warmly embraced by the Venezuelan people.
Minister Cardillo confirmed that the Ministry of Sports will lead efforts to develop a cooperation plan with Vietnam to bring Vovinam to Venezuela. In the initial phase, the Ministry plans to invite Vovinam masters from Vietnam to introduce the martial art, conduct training courses, and build a team of local instructors and coaches, with the goal of eventually establishing Vovinam training centers nationwide.
Working session scene. (Photo: Embassy provided)
Ambassador Vu Trung My welcomed Venezuela’s initiative to promote bilateral ties through sports. He emphasized that Vovinam, a martial art with deep cultural roots, is not only about physical strength but also instills moral values—cultivating both the body and the mind, and fostering balance between power and compassion.
Recognized in 2023 as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vovinam has attracted over 2 million practitioners in more than 70 countries and territories. Vietnam is also preparing to submit a dossier to UNESCO for Vovinam to be recognized as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
According to Ambassador Vu, Venezuela’s pioneering role in adopting Vovinam in Latin America not only contributes to the country’s sports development but also serves as a cultural bridge, strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the peoples of Vietnam and Venezuela.
(Source: Vietnam News Agency – VNA / VietnamPlus)