From amateur martial artist to world champion

Eighteen-year-old Hoang Trung Nguyen, a Vietnamese Kun Khmer world champion and recipient of the First-Class Labour Order, has chosen to pursue a degree in physical education while continuing his competitive career, with the ambition of passing on his experience to younger generations.

Nguyen, a former student at Tran Quoc Tuan School in Dong Nai province, received the prestigious state honour following his outstanding performance in international competition.

In February 2026, he won the gold medal in the men's 71kg category at the sixth World Kun Khmer Championship in Cambodia, helping Vietnam top the overall medal standings with 18 gold, eight silver and 10 bronze medals.

His journey to the world title began outside professional martial arts training centres. In Grade 10, Nguyen took up traditional Vietnamese martial arts as a recreational activity to improve his fitness.

Recognising his physical attributes and potential, coaches encouraged him to try kickboxing before moving into Kun Khmer, a combat sport requiring strength, speed, technical precision and quick decision-making.

Through regular training, Nguyen gradually adapted to demanding workouts and gained competition experience. In 2024, he secured a gold medal at a national tournament, paving the way for further achievements.

His coach, Dieu Van Sang, said that although Nguyen's physical conditioning was not yet exceptional, he possessed strong technical skills and maintained composure under pressure.

Rather than relying on strength to confront opponents directly, Nguyen used technique to neutralise attacks and exploit weaknesses, helping him overcome physical disadvantages and win the world championship final, Sang explained.

Nguyen also worked to improve his knee strikes, previously a weakness in his Kun Khmer technique. With support from coaches and teammates, he strengthened his skills, endurance and ability to respond to different situations in the ring.

Recalling the final in Cambodia, Nguyen said the pressure from his opponent and the enthusiastic crowd occasionally affected his concentration. However, he regained his composure, followed his coaches' tactical instructions and remained focused on securing victory.

According to Sang, Nguyen's gold medal was particularly significant as it contributed to Vietnam's first overall world championship title in Kun Khmer.

Choosing physical education to pursue a lifelong passion

Following his international success and receipt of the First-Class Labour Order, Nguyen became eligible for direct university admission based on his sporting achievements.

He chose to study physical education through a flexible continuing education programme at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education.

Nguyen explained that training camps, national team commitments and domestic and international competitions frequently disrupt his schedule, making conventional university classes difficult to attend.

The flexible programme allows him to balance academic studies with training and competition while preparing for a future career beyond professional sport.

For the 18-year-old athlete, pursuing higher education is not simply about earning a degree but also about building a long-term career connected to his passion.

Years of competition have taught him discipline, determination and resilience. University studies, meanwhile, will provide knowledge of sports science, coaching methods and teaching skills, enabling him to guide others more effectively.

Nguyen hopes to become an educator after retiring from competition, using his experience and understanding to encourage young people to pursue sport.

He said he chose the teaching profession because he wanted to guide younger generations with patience and empathy, and continue sharing his sporting experience and passion long after his competitive career ends.

Hoang Anh