Vietnam claims overall title at Southeast Asian Pencak Silat Championship
VOV.VN - Vietnam secured the overall first place at the 5th Southeast Asian Pencak Silat Championship, which concluded in Ho Chi Minh City on September 29 after six days of competition.
The tournament, running from September 24 to 29, drew nearly 150 athletes from five countries, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Singapore, competing across 30 events.
Vietnam topped the medal tally with 20 golds, nine silvers, and one bronze. Malaysia finished second with six golds, 17 silvers, and three bronzes, while Singapore came in third with three golds, one silver, and six bronzes.
Out of the 30 events, Vietnamese athletes competed in 29 finals. In artistic events, the team won two golds, four silvers, and one bronze. In combat events, Vietnamese martial artists claimed 16 golds, including victories in both the women's 85-100 kg and over-100 kg categories.
Nguyen Van Hung, head coach of the Vietnamese national pencak silat team, highlighted the tournament as an opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate athletes across different weight classes and events, particularly younger prospects. The practical competition provides a basis for selecting athletes for upcoming missions, including the 34th SEA Games in Malaysia.
Hung added that applying the new competition rules was a key technical focus for the team. Direct exposure to the new rules helps athletes adapt, adjust their techniques and tactics, and refine their training for the10th National Sports Games.
Following the tournament, national team athletes will return to their designated training squads for 2026 to prepare for international assignments.
The 5th Southeast Asian Pencak Silat Championship was co-organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports and the Sports Authority of Vietnam under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The event provided a platform for regional teams to compete, evaluate their squads, and gear up for the 21st World Pencak Silat Championship slated for December in Uzbekistan.
Southeast Asian Pencak Silat Championship slated for September in Vietnam
VOV.VN - Vietnam will host the 2026 Southeast Asian Pencak Silat Championship in Ho Chi Minh City from September 22 to 29, with competitions scheduled to take place at the Rach Mieu Sports Complex.
