Kpă H’Hà Mi, an ethnic Jrai athlete from Lung Prông village in Đức Cơ commune, represented Vietnam as part of a 52-member national team competing in Bangkok.
She was one of seven athletes from Gia Lai province selected for the tournament, which drew more than 1,000 fighters from 34 countries and territories.
Competing internationally for the first time, Hà Mi emerged as one of Vietnam’s standout performers. In the 60kg category, she secured a gold medal in the light contact discipline and added two silver medals in point fighting and kick light events.
“I always dreamed of competing abroad, and this time my coaches made it possible”, Hà Mi said. “I’m very happy to have won three medals for Vietnam, but I know I still have a lot to improve. Competing internationally showed me my limitations”.
Despite her young age, Hà Mi has already built a strong record domestically. In 2025, she won gold at the National Youth Muay Championship, along with a silver medal at the provincial traditional martial arts championship and a bronze at the provincial kickboxing championship.
Her rapid rise is particularly notable given that she only began formal training in 2024. Inspired by a childhood passion for martial arts, she joined a local kickboxing club in Đức Cơ commune under coach Phạm Thị Xoan.
According to her coach, Hà Mi quickly demonstrated exceptional physical ability and determination. She was soon recommended to join the Pleiku Sports Training and Competition Center, where she adapted swiftly to structured training and competitive environments.
“Hà Mi has strong willpower and great passion. She possesses the physical condition and mindset needed for high-level competition”, Phạm Thị Xoan said.
Officials say her early achievements mark her as one of Gia Lai’s most promising young athletes. Trần Bảo Sơn, director of the Pleiku center, said the next step is to help her gain more experience through competition and aim for a place on Vietnam’s national youth kickboxing team.
Her success also highlights the growing reputation of Đức Cơ commune as a source of martial arts talent. The area has previously produced notable athletes, including Lê Thị Nhi, an Asian Kickboxing Championship gold medallist, and Lê Thị Yến Nhi, who won silver at the World Kickboxing Championship.
Local authorities have pledged support to further develop young talent. Trịnh Quốc Thọ, vice chairman of the Đức Cơ People’s Committee, said the commune would recognise Hà Mi’s achievements and encourage more young people to pursue martial arts.