Vietnamese athletes pose for photo after winning gold medals at the Vietnamese Traditional Martial Arts World Cup in France. — Photo webthethao.vn

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam won eight gold medals at the Vietnamese Traditional Martial Arts World Cup, which closed in the French city of Marseille on Sunday.

The team finished second behind the hosts, who secured nine golds.

Việt Nam sent a delegation of 10 athletes to the first Cup, competing in both the combat and performance categories.

The winners in the combat disciplines were Nguyễn Thanh Khiết (men’s 55kg) Vũ Trường Giang (men’s 65kg), Nguyễn Thị Hằng Nga (women’s 52kg) and Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Mai (women’s 56kg).

The winning performers were Dương Quốc Cường, Đặng Văn Hợp, Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Trinh and Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Nhung in the men’s and women’s standard and freestyle events.

“Athletes have improved a lot compared to competitions that I took part in the past,” said Khiết after taking his title. "They were much more skilful in technique and their moves are stronger."

The tournament gathered nearly 300 athletes from 32 teams representing 18 countries.

Vietnamese martial arts are developing in 68 nations and territories over the world under the name of Việt Võ Đạo or Vovinam.

Organisers said they expect the martial arts will be practiced in 100 nations and territories by 2030. — VNS