HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam ended their title drought at the world event, winning a gold medal in sanda (combat) at the World Wushu Championships, which closed in Kazan, Russia, on Tuesday.

Võ Minh Đức defeated Filipino rival Arnel Mandal in the men’s 52kg category final at the Gymnastics Palace – Universiade Village.

It is the third gold medal for Việt Nam in the combat event, so far, and all are in the men’s pool.

The first one went to Đào Việt Lập in the 56kg discipline in 1997. The second medal was won by Diệp Bảo Minh at the 2001 edition of the tournament.

On the women’s side, Việt Nam secured two silvers in Kazan

Hoàng Thị Luân lost to Iranian Elaheh Mansoryansamiroumi in the 52kg class final. Her teammate Nguyễn Thị Trang was defeated by Chinese Cai Yingying in the 60kg pool.

Following five days of competition, a total of 44 gold medals were awarded to athletes.

Việt Nam won two gold, five silver and two bronze medals, and ranked sixth.

The results, according to head of the Việt Nam team Vũ Văn Trung, met the target that was set prior to the tournament. All athletes performed to the best of their ability.

China topped the medal tally with 15 golds. Iran were second winning eight golds and Hong Kong came third with five. — VNS