Athletes compete at the first national beach Kurash championship held in Vũng Tàu city on March 12 and 13. — VNA/VNS Photo Huỳnh Sơn

BÀ RỊA-VŨNG TÀU — The first national beach Kurash championship opened on March 12 in the southern coastal province of Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu.

The province’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Việt Nam under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism is hosting the event at the Revolutionary Tradition House in Vũng Tàu city until March 13.

Kurash is a martial art that emphasises strength and muscle power, featuring competition rules similar to Judo.

This year’s tournament brings together nearly 300 coaches and athletes from 19 teams nationwide, competing across 19 weight categories.

Men’s categories: -50kg, -55kg, -60kg, -66kg, -73kg, -81kg, -90kg, -100kg, and +100kg.

Women’s categories: -42kg, -45kg, -48kg, -52kg, -57kg, -63kg, -70kg, -78kg, -87kg, and +87kg.

Nguyễn Hữu An, head of the Kurash Division at the Sports Authority of Việt Nam, said this is the first time such an event has been held, presenting an exciting opportunity for both athletes and coaches.

"We hope that the competitors will give their best performances, and that the coaches will find opportunities to further develop beach Kurash competitions.”

With the country’s top Kurash athletes competing, fans, residents and tourists will witness intense and highly skilled matches, he said.

The first day of competition saw thrilling matches in the following weight categories, men: -50kg, -55kg, -60kg and -66kg, and women: -63kg, -70kg, -78kg, -87kg and +87kg.

The first national beach Kurash championship opened on March 12 in Vũng Tàu city of Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Huỳnh Sơn

Huỳnh Nhất Thống, head coach of Đồng Tháp Province’s Kurash team, said many strong teams have participated, making for a highly competitive event.

Đồng Tháp is determined to win at least one gold medal in this tournament.

“Our athletes have trained intensively, focusing on sand-based sparring exercises to adapt to the competition conditions."

Kurash is not included in the competition programme for SEA Games 33. However, the players of the Vietnamese Kurash team will have the opportunity to participate in the Asian Championship in July, the Southeast Asian Championship in August, and the Southeast Asian Beach Championship in August in Indonesia.

The 2025 national beach Kurash championship serves as a crucial platform for national team coaches to identify and select the most skilled athletes to represent Việt Nam in these major international events.

Organising more beach sports tournaments is also expected to promote tourism and develop the sports economy. — VNS