Tiếng ViệtVovinam Shines at the 2024 ASEAN Schools Games, with over 120 athletes from 6 countries showcasing the growing popularity of this Vietnamese martial art in schools across Southeast Asia.
Vovinam’s influence continues to spread widely throughout the educational institutions of the ASEAN.
The ASEAN Schools Games XIII, which took place from June 1st to 9th at Tien Son Sports Complex, featured a total of six sports and 107 medal events, including swimming, basketball, badminton, athletics, Pencak Silat, and Vovinam.
Vovinam Kicks Off the ASEAN Schools Games with an Exciting Opening Showcase. – Photo: Binh Dinh.
Notably, Vovinam made its official debut in the ASEAN Schools Games XIII, representing Vietnam as the only martial art from the country. Apart from the host nation, participating countries in this martial arts competition included Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, with more than 120 athletes in total.
The Vovinam events at the ASEAN Schools Games XIII consisted of ten categories, including four weight classes for sparring (-51kg and -57kg for women, -54kg and -60kg for men), Ngũ môn quyền (five-forms routine), Long hổ quyền (dragon-tiger routine), Song luyện kiếm (dual sword routine) for both men and women, Đòn chân tấn công (leg attack techniques), and Đa luyện vũ khí (multiple weapon techniques) for women.
Thailand has been gradually promoting the Vovinam movement, with their athletes surpassing their Vietnamese counterparts to win the gold medal in the “Song luyện kiếm nam” (men’s dual sword routine) category. – Photo: Binh Dinh.
This achievement is a testament to the continuous efforts made by those involved in the international development of Vovinam. As a result, this Vietnamese martial art is spreading rapidly within the school system across Southeast Asia.
Currently, Indonesia boasts 600 Vovinam practitioners across six clubs, namely Jakarta, Dwijehdra, Tabaham, Dehuhsam, Jawa Timun, and Lampumb. In Bali, Indonesia, there are over 200 practitioners affiliated with three clubs.
Dwijehdra School, where Vietnamese Vovinam experts performed and established a club in 2008, still maintains a Vovinam club. In the future, as the school’s student population grows to 7,000, spanning from kindergarten to university, the Vovinam movement will further expand.
Southeast Asian Student Athletes Set the Bar High! – Photo: Binh Dinh
In Cambodia, Vovinam has been included in the national sports competitions, showcasing its strong presence. The Cambodian Vovinam Association organizes annual Vovinam tournaments for both youth and school students, attracting hundreds of martial artists.
In Myanmar, Vovinam has been introduced into military academies, with numerous martial artists undergoing training. Additionally, they organize selection competitions each year to identify talented individuals who can contribute to the national team.
The ASEAN Schools Games XIII provided an opportunity for athletes to compete, exchange experiences, enhance physical fitness, and contribute to the promotion of sports within the school system. This event not only enriches the cultural and sporting life of the ASEAN community but also appeals to a wide audience, ranging from young martial arts practitioners to seasoned martial artists.
Vietnam Vovinam School Team Secures Two Gold Medals on Opening Day
On the first day of competition (June 3rd), the Vietnam Vovinam school team clinched two gold medals and one silver medal. Lim Somphos from Cambodia was defeated in the final of the women’s -51kg weight class, earning Dang Thi Hong Nguyen the first gold medal for Vietnam in Vovinam at the ASEAN Schools Games XIII. Shortly after, Ly Thanh Van triumphed over Thai athlete Phattharaphon Boonrattana Samai, securing the gold medal in the women’s -57kg weight class.
Athlete Ly Thanh Van (blue) won gold medal in women’s -57kg weight class. – Photo: Binh Dinh.
Nguyen Tan Toi and Nguyen Hoang Thien contributed to the Vietnam team’s success by claiming the silver medal.
Thailand also had a successful day, winning two gold medals, one silver medal, and one bronze medal. Their achievements included victories in the men’s dual sword routine and the men’s -60kg weight class sparring event.
(Source: Dan Viet Newspaper)