PHNOM PENH: As of this morning, Cambodia ranks third out of 35 participating countries in the 7th Vovinam World Championships in Ho Chi Minh. So far, Cambodian athletes have garnered 17 medals – 5 gold, 3 silver and 9 bronze at the competition.

The native Vietnamese fighting style began as a self-defense method in the 1930’s but has since crossed international borders with Vovivam training centers being established across the world. The 2023 World Championship is being held from November 22-30 where more than 650 athletes from 35 countries are competing for 44 sets of medals.

Three gold medals for Cambodia went to Pal Chorsmey in women’s singles, Chuk Somaly in the women's 60 kg category and a four-man team of swordsmen yesterday. Prime Minister Hun Manet congratulated the Cambodian Vovinam athletes on their success.

President of the Cambodian Vovinam Federation, Ou Ratana, emphasized that winning 17 medals and placing third in the 2023 World Championships, shows the potential of Vovinam in Cambodia. This year, Cambodian athletes brought home the most medals in the category during the 2023 Southeast Asia (SEA) Games.