Muay

Huỳnh Hà Hữu Hiếu and her coach pose with the World Muay Thai Grand Slam on August 18 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo facebook Hiếu Huỳnh

HÀ NỘI — Huỳnh Hà Hữu Hiếu won a gold medal for Việt Nam at the World Muay Thai Grand Slam on August 18 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Hiếu, representing Saigon Sports Club, defeated Mohadeseh Fouladi of the Iranian Artemis Club 30-27 in the final of the Female Elite 45kg category.

Earlier, in the semi-finals, Hiếu knocked out Nur Huda Akma Mohd Ramzi of the Kelab Muaythai Kala Merah Melaka Club of Malaysia.

The gold medal was the first for the Việt Nam Team at the tournament for worldwide clubs.

Three months ago, Hiếu advanced to the final of the 31st SEA Games but could only take silver.

Hiếu said the Grand Slam title played a crucial role in pulling her confidence back after the unexpected SEA Games defeat.

It was her third world-class title after she won golds at the World Muaythai Championships in 2020 and 2021.

The Grand Slam, one of the official International Federation of Muaythai Associations' competitions, is held from August 9 until 21.

Other Vietnamese competed in the Youth World Muay Thai Championships, organised in the same venue.

In the age group of 14-15, Hoàng Đình Mạnh (boy's 63.5kg), Nguyễn Thị Yến Trang (girl's 48kg) and Hoàng Khánh Mai (girl's 42kg) won bronze medals.

In the age group of 16-17, Nguyễn Thị Chiều (girl's 54kg), Trần Thị Dịu (girl's 63,5kg) and Hà Viết Hiếu (boy's 81kg) also took bronzes.

On August 20, Việt Nam will have athletes competing in the finals of different groups.

Vũ Ngọc Trang will fight in the girl's 50kg, age group 12-13.

Lê Thị Thu Trang will compete in the girl's 48kg; Võ Thuận Phong in the boy's 45kg; Nguyễn Thị Hiền Lương in the girl's 45kg and Đặng Trí Kiện in the boy's 71kg, all of age group 16-17.

Apart from combat activities, youth athletes also participate in cultural exchange, sports and social meetings and various stakeholder training/educational seminars.

The Youth Championships also closes on August 21. VNS