Ha Nam to host women's football championship

The 2013 women’s football championship will take place in the northern province of Ha Nam from March to June.

The first matches will be organized from March 8-26 and the return matches from June 9-22.

The event will involve strong teams such as champions Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin), Hanoi I and II, Phong Phu Ha Nam and Thai Nguyen Iron and Steel.

The Ho Chi Minh City team is set to enter the top 3.

World Vovinam Championship set for July

The third World Vovinam Championship will take place in France from July 3–7, part of celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic ties.

The tournament is expected to attract competitors representing 25–30 countries. Athletes will face off in demonstration and combat events.

The General Department of Sports and Physical Training (DOSPT) recently met with the World Vovinam Federation to discuss tournament preparations.

World Vovinam Federation General Secretary Vo Danh Hai said a Vietnamese delegation will participate in “Vovinam Day in France” scheduled for July 4.

The Vietnam Cultural Centre in Paris will host the special day featuring activities including art performances, a food festival, and an exhibition. ”Vovinam Day in France” aims to promote Vietnamese martial arts to international friends.

In 2009 and 2011, Ho Chi Minh City successfully organised the first and second World Vovinam Championships. Vietnam won championship titles at both tournaments.  

Le keeps yellow in Round 2

Cao Thi Cam Le successfully retained the yellow jersey after the second round of the Binh Duong International Women’s Cycling Tournament on March 3.

Binh Duong Water Supply and Drainage 1’s Le, who did not finish in the top three of the stage, from Bao Loc City to Duc Trong Town of Lam Dong Province, maintained her top ranking with a time of 6hr 29.41min.

The stage winner was Nguyen Thi That of Vinh Binh An Giang Rice clocking 2:43.57 on the 83km routine. Her teammate Phan Thi Lieu was second, followed by Phan Thi Thuy Lien of Dong Thap Domesco Pharmacy.

On the team ranking, Vinh Binh An Giang Rice with two cyclists in the top three took the leading position, finishing 19:32.12 in the race. Binh Duong Water Supply and Drainage 1 and Dong Thap Domesco Pharmacy were second and third, respectively.

The third stage today will see cyclists race 10 laps around Xuan Huong Lake of Da Lat City on 51km.

The annual Binh Duong tournament has lured 55 racers from 10 local teams and one from further afield. They will compete seven stages through five provinces and finish on Women’s Day on March 8.

The winners will walk away with a total bonus of VND300 million (US$14,400).

National Kickboxing Championship opens

The National Kickboxing Championship opened in the Central Highland province of Dak Lak on March 4 to celebrate 38 years of Buon Ma Thuot city liberation.

More than 200 athletes coming from 18 cities and provinces will be divided into 9 women’s and 12 men’s groups to compete in combat events.

The tourney aims to select the best athletes for the 4th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Incheon, the Republic of Korea in June.

The event, organized by the General Department of Sports and Physical Training, will last through to March 13.

Athletes to head for World Muay Thai Champs

Thirty-five Vietnamese martial artists will participate in the World Muay Thai Championships hosted by Thailand from March 12–22.

They will compete in the World Muay Thai Championships, the Amateur Muay Thai World Championships, and the Pro-Am Muay Thai World Championships.

Vietnam’s gold medal hopefuls are Bui Yen Ly (Hanoi), Tran Thi Huong (the Ministry of Public Security), and a group of martial artists from Ho Chi Minh City comprising Vo Van Dai, Truong Quoc Hung, Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc, and Phan Thi Ngoc Linh.

In the Amateur Muay Thai World Championships, the Vietnamese atheletes Nguyen Doan Long, Nguyen Huy Tuan, Nguyen Tang Quyen, and Luu Xuan Duc are all capable of outstanding achievements.

Vietnamese martial artist Phan Thi Ngoc Linh is intent on defending her Pro-Am Muay Thai World Championship title.

The championships are valuable preparation for Vietnam ahead of the 27th SEA Games in Myanmar and the 4th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Incheon, the Republic of Korea.

VNN/VOV/VNS