VietNamNet Bridge – The second World Vovinam Championship will kick off at HCM City's Phu Tho Gymnasium next Wednesday.

The event, organised by Viet Nam Vovinam Federation (VVF) and HCM City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, aims to introduce Vietnamese martial arts to the world.

The event, which willl run until the end of the month, is expected to attract more than 300 athletes, officials and coaches from 22 countries, including Spain, Swiss, Algeria, France and Argentina.

Athletes will compete for 80 sets of medals in 18 events, both in combat and performance disciplines.

VVF chairman Le Quoc An said this year's tournament was a good chance for athletes to hone their skills as well as exchange culture.

According to chairman of the World Vovinam Federation, Nguyen Danh Thai, the championship will encourage athletes to train hard for future events.

The World Vovinam Federation and Viet Nam Vovinam Federation will hold a technique training and international referee class from July 25-27.

After the championships, athletes will head to tourneys in Asia and Europe, including the 26th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Indonesia this November.

It will be the first time vovinam will be played at the games.

At the first world event held in HCM City, Viet Nam took the lead with 23 golds, four silvers and two bronzes.

Vovinam, established in 1938 by martial artist Nguyen Loc, is based on traditional martial arts. It is now popular in 40 countries and territories, particularly in the US, the Netherlands, Canada and France.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News