Vietnam win golds, placed second in Asian karate championships

In the last day of competitions, Vietnamese fighters competed in three kumite (combat) matches.

Hoang Thi Tam defeated Wei Yuchun of the hosts 4-2 to take the title in the women's 55kg category.

Nguyen Thi Ngoan excelled in the women's over-68kg class, beating Gurung Arika of Nepal to take gold.

Tam and Ngoan then grouped with teammates Dinh Thi Huong and Nguyen Thi Dieu Ly to outclass China 2-0 to defend their top place in the women's team event.

In addition to golds, athletes also took two silvers and one bronze to rank second in the medal tally.

Japan placed first in the table with five golds, three silvers and three bronzes. Kazakhstan were third, winning two golds, two silvers and one bronze.

"We appreciated the athletes' effort in this tournament. They prepared well and competed with highest determination," said coach Vu Son Ha.

"Currently, we are home to young and quality coaches and good martial artists who promise to earn high results in international tournaments."

The Asian championships featured 355 competitors from 30 countries and regions, with a total of 16 sets of medals awarded. Karatekas who won the continental top two medals will qualify for the Karate World Cup.

(Source: VNA)