Hoàng Thị Mỹ Tâm at a training session in Bali. She will defend her Asian karate championship title at the competition starting on June 18. Photos courtesy of AKF

HÀ NỘI — Karateka Hoàng Thị Mỹ Tâm is set to defend her title at the 22nd AKF Asian Senior Karate Championships taking place in Indonesia from June 18 to 21.

Việt Nam's national team of 20 athletes landed in Bali on June 15 and will have three days polishing up their technique for the tough fights expected at their first international competition of 2026.

At 23 years old, Tâm is the 33rd SEA Games champion and previously won the Asian championships in 2021, 2024 and 2025.

“We consider Tâm a high-quality martial artist. She has been thoroughly trained for the championships, improving her skills, tactics, and mentality to face strong opponents. We hope that she will bring her strengths into play to grab the gold medal,” coach Phạm Hồng Hà said.

She also sets the highest targets for herself, doing her best to bring home her fourth continental women's 55kg title. 

“I have learnt a lot from every tournament. Asian fighters are really strong, and I understand that full concentration is really a must in all fights. It will help me deliver accurate attacks and score points," said Tâm.

"I have been training hard for the Indonesian event and will earn the highest result." 

Vietnamese fighters practise under their coach Phạm Hồng Hà's supervision on June 16.

In preparation for the tournament, Tâm began her training in January, aiming for the Asian championship, the Southeast Asian championships in July and the Asian Games in September. 

Other athletes who may medal for Việt Nam include 2022 world champion Nguyễn Thị Diệu Ly, SEA Games winners Đinh Thị Hương, Khuất Hải Nam and Chu Văn Đức in the kumite (combat) competition and Nguyễn Ngọc Trâm and Hoàng Thị Thu Uyên in the kata (performance) discipline.

As many as 412 athletes from 33 national teams across Asia will compete in the championships this year.

"The Asian Karate Championships represent the highest stage of karate competition on our continent. This prestigious event brings together the finest athletes of Asia and reflects the remarkable level of skill, discipline and dedication that continues to define karate throughout our region," Asian Karate Federation President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi wrote in a message to participants and attendees.

"Each edition of the championship stands as a testament to the strength and continued growth of the Asian karate community. This championship celebrates unity through karate, bringing together Asia's many cultures through shared values of respect, discipline and honour."

He went on to note: "Karate is more than a sport – it shapes character, humility and perseverance, inspiring and connecting people of all ages across the continent. 

"As we gather in Bali, I encourage all participants to compete with honour, demonstrate the highest level of sportsmanship, and uphold the true spirit of karate. May this championship strengthen the bonds of friendship among our nations and reaffirm the unity that karate continues to bring to our Asian community."

Last year, Việt Nam pocketed three gold medals and one bronze, ranking third overall below Kazakhstan and Japan. The Vietnamese champions were the women's kata and kumite teams and Tâm. — VNS