Pencak Silat

 

HÀ TĨNH Martial artists, coaches and referees from all across the continent are coming to Việt Nam to take part in the ninth Asian Pencak Silat Championships, which officially starts on July 25 in Hà Tĩnh Province.

This is the first time the tournament will be held in Việt Nam.

Director of the Hà Tĩnh Culture, Sports and Tourism Department Nguyễn Viết Trường said that Hà Tĩnh is honoured to host the thrilling fights and performances at its provincial gymnasium.

Trường, who is also head of the tournament organising board, said the event is an opportunity to introduce the province's advantages, including its potential, its friendly people and its beautiful scenery to international friends. The competition will also help promote sports in the region, he noted.

Fighters are expected to hold exciting matches, achieve great things and promote solidarity, confidence and sportsmanship, Trường added. 

Nearly 250 martial artists from 10 countries and regions will compete for medals in 32 categories from July 25 to 31.

In tanding (combat) events, athletes will compete in 13 weight classes from 45kg to over-110kg for men and 11 weight classes from 45kg to over-100kg for women. In eight seni (performance) events, martial artists will vie for titles in the men's and women's singles, doubles, team and freestyles.

As the hosts, Vietnamese fighters have prepared for the tournament for months, and have already spent one week training in the central province. 

"We have focused on improving athletes' physiques and techniques. Tactics are also an important issue. We all are excited and can't wait to fight," coach Nguyễn Văn Hùng said.

World champion Quàng Thị Thu Nghĩa is a strong competitor who is widely expected to win a medal, defend her title and extend her Asian domination.

"I have worked really hard with a view to remain in the top place, and hope to secure my fifth gold medal in a row," she said.

Meanwhile, world champion Lê Duy Tuyến says he will meet with fierce rivals from previous tournaments as well as new rising stars. It is important to research opponents thoroughly and find suitable tactics to defeat them, he said.

Việt Nam will take part in 24 weight categories in combat events and seven in performance events. The national team, which bagged eight gold medals to place second last year, plan to take the top spot on home ground this year. VNS