The German Vovinam Federation won nine gold medals and the first place at the fourth European Vovinam (Vietnamese Martial Art) Championship which took place in Geneva, Switzerland from July 1- 3.

T he Italian and Belarusian Vovinam Federations came second and third at the event.

A total of 79 martial artists from 10 countries competed at the tournament , which was held for the first time in Spain in 2010 and then became a biennial event of the 12-member European Vovinam Federation.

President of the Swiss Vovinam Federation Tan Rousset stressed the event is a chance to promote the martial art originating in Vietnam as well as to enhance exchange between athletes and coaches from across European nations.

Founded in 1938 by late Master Nguyen Loc (1912-1960), Vovinam is practiced with and without weapons and upholds the training of both body and mind.

The martial art has attracted 200,000 learners in 55 countries and territories worldwide.

The Vovinam Federations of the World , and of Asia, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa have been established from 2008 to 2012.

The first World Vovinam Championship took place in the southern city of Ho Chi Minh in 2009 , and has been organised biennial since then.

Vietnam triumphed at the fourth World Vovinam Championship held in Algeria in 2015.

VNA