Vietnam, Senegal strengthen ties at 40th Vovinam anniversary celebration
The International Martial Arts Tournament welcomed participants from 11 African countries that are part of the African Vovinam – Viet Vo Dao Confederation, alongside representatives from several European nations and Vietnam.
Martial artists from Africa prepare for the International Martial Arts Tournament celebrating the 40th anniversary of Vovinam – Viet Vo Dao in Senegal. (Photo: baovanhoa.vn)
Dakar (VNS/VNA) — The International Martial Arts Tournament celebrating the 40th anniversary of Vovinam – Viet Vo Dao (a traditional Vietnamese martial art) has taken place in Senegal.
Organised by the Senegal National Committee for Vovinam – Viet Vo Dao under the authority of several governmental bodies, the tournament ran until May 4 and attracted Vovinam enthusiasts from around the globe.
This year, the tournament welcomed participants from 11 African countries that are part of the African Vovinam – Viet Vo Dao Confederation, alongside representatives from several European nations and Vietnam.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture of the Republic of Senegal Khady Diene Gaye remarked: “This is an important activity for our country. I am particularly impressed with the Vovinam - Viet Vo Dao delegation from Vietnam.”
Minister Gaye, born in 1985, studied Vovinam while attending Saint Louis University.
At the event, Master Tran Nguyen Dao, President of the Council of Masters of the World Vovinam – Viet Vo Dao Federation, stated: “The tournament is truly meaningful, gathering many Vovinam teams from around the world, including those from France, Belgium, Senegal, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Togo.”
In addition to competing, the Vietnamese delegation also showcased a special lion and dragon performance, promoting the sport in Senegal and contributing to the introduction of Vietnamese culture to international friends.
Pham Quang Long, head of the Vietnamese Vovinam Delegation and president of the Science Institute for Vietnamese Martial Arts Traininﷺg, said: “The international martial arts tournament in Senegal is not only a platform to honour the essence of martial arts, but also a symbol of the growing friendship and cultural exchange between Vietnam and African countries./.”
Martial arts masters of both nations delivered captivating performances, showcasing the unique essence of each country’s martial traditions. Spectators enjoyed demonstrations of traditional Vietnamese martial arts alongside powerful displays of DPRK Taekwondo.
Originating from Binh Duong province, master Duong overcame a frail physique by mastering traditional Vietnamese martial arts, and distilling their fluid techniques into Thuy Phap.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has approved the submission of a proposal to the UNESCO for the inclusion of "Binh Dinh Traditional Martial Arts" in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
