Viet Nam was placed second on the medals table of the World Pencak Silat Championships, which took place in Phuket, Thailand, from January 10 to 16.

Martial arts fighter Nguyen Thai Linh receives his gold medal from the World Pencak Silat Championships' organising board.  

The 26-member team won seven gold, seven silver and five bronze medals.

Viet Nam won six gold medals in the combat event, thanks to the efforts made by Pham The Hung (men's 85-90kg), Hoang Van Bac (men's under 85kg), Nguyen Thai Linh (men's 60kg) and Nguyen Duy Tuyen (men's 80kg), as well as Lo Thi Tuong (women's 75-90kg).

The first place went to Indonesia, which won nine gold, seven silver and three bronze medals, while the hosts Thailand came third with four gold, one silver and six bronze medals.

The seven-day event attracted 450 fighters from 40 nations and territories, competing in 24 weight categories in both the combat and performance events.

Viet Nam had triumphed in the World Pencak Silat 2012 event in Thailand by winning eight gold, nine silver and three bronze medals. 

VNS