Vietnam win silver belts in first Muay Thai Grand Prix
Four Vietnamese fighters have claimed silver belts in the first international Muay Thai tournament known as “The Home Coming” which was managed by the Muay Thai Grand Prix (MTGP) and organised in Vietnam for the first time.
Huynh Van Tuan wins the first silver belt in the men’s 51kg category (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Four Vietnamese fighters have claimed silver belts inthe first international Muay Thai tournament known as “The Home Coming” whichwas managed by the Muay Thai Grand Prix (MTGP) and organised in Vietnam for thefirst time.
Held on December 29 in Ho Chi Minh City, Huynh Van Tuan beat WaraYutWanajamriang of Thailand in the men’s 51kg category to win the first silverbelt, reported Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV).
In the men’s 60kg, Truong Cao Minh Phat put in an excellent performance tooutclass Wimonchan Nathawut of Thailand and pick up the silver belt.
Elsewhere, Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat also successfully defeated Anon Rachvicha ofThailand in the men's 60kg category.
As the only female Vietnamese representative, Huynh Ha Huu Hieu took home asilver belt after trouncing Mary Glyde Elizabeth Rivera of the Philippines inthe women’s 48kg category.
Changpauk Pongtong of Thailand went on to win the gold belt in the key fight ofthe night against Turien Paphawin of Thailand in the men's 57kg class.
The tournament witnessed the participation of 26 fighters from 17 clubs basedin Thailand, the Philippines, the UK, Italy, Iran, and hosts Vietnam. Theycompeted in 13 matches, four of them vying for pro titles.
The total prize money on offer is up to 420 million VND, with the winner in procategories walking away with a record prize of 60 million VND./.
Thailand’s kickboxing team, led by Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchemek, has set the target of obtaining the top position at SEA Games 31 in Vietnam, according to the organising committee.
Fighter Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat bagged the second gold medal for Vietnam at the World Games 2022 after he triumphed in the men’s 57kg Muay Thai on July 17.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Royal Thai Army, and WBC Muay Thai will host their first Amazing Muay Thai Festival in Prachuap Khiri Khan province to promote the Thai combat sport to tourists and foreigners.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
Huynh Van Tuan wins the first silver belt in the men’s 51kg category (Photo: VNA) 
