Nguyễn Duy Tuyến (second left) poses with his gold medal and other athletes in the men's U85kg category. — VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam finished second at the first World Beach Pencak Silat Championship which closed in Phuket, Thailand, on October 4.

The team brought home seven gold medals in both combat and performance events.These titles included six combat golds.

Among the winners were Vũ Xuân Nghị in the men's U55kg who beat Chakkrit Prosopsin of Thailand; SEA Games champions Nguyễn Duy Tuyến topped the men’s U85kg podium after defeating Pimpirat Tonkhieo of the hosts; and Lê Thị Nga won in the women’s U50kg after overcoming Thai Janejira Wankrue.

The only gold in the tunggal (performance) went to female team of Nguyễn Thị Thu Hà, Nguyễn Thị Huyền and Vương Thị Bình. 

The first world tournament attracted competitors from over 35 countries, eager to win one of the 25 gold medals on offer. Competing on the beach so competitors were allowed to wear protective glasses to prevent sand getting into their eyes.

Silat is a type of martial arts traditionally practised in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, portions of the Philippines, the southern part of Thailand and the central part of Vietnam. — VNS