As the championship approaches, fighters from two major training hubs, the Bình Định Traditional Martial Arts Center and the Pleiku Sports Training and Competition Center, are entering their final phase of preparation, focusing on stamina, strength, and precision. The Gia Lai delegation includes two coaches and eight athletes:
From Bình Định Traditional Martial Arts Center: Trần Đình Đô, Trần Võ Song Thương, Tạ Thanh Hoàng, Trần Minh Hậu, and Nguyễn Thị Thanh Tiền.
From Pleiku Sports Training and Competition Center: Trần Bảo Sơn, Trần Nguyễn Bảo Ngọc, Lê Thị Nhi, Nguyễn Thành Trung, and Ksor Phuk.
Among them, Trần Võ Song Thương, Tạ Thanh Hoàng, and Lê Thị Nhi are also members of Vietnam’s national kickboxing team, undergoing rigorous training to reach peak performance.
Coach Trần Đình Đô said the World Championship is one of the sport’s toughest competitions but expressed confidence in his athletes’ mindset and preparation. “The athletes have great spirit and are eager to prove themselves. We’re emphasizing high-intensity training to build strength and reflexes for this world-class tournament,” he said.
Silver medalist at the 32nd SEA Games and the 2024 Asian Kickboxing Championship, Trần Minh Hậu aims to build on his past success. “I’m working hard every day to reach my best condition and perfect my techniques,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nguyễn Thị Thanh Tiền, who will make her debut on the world stage, said she feels “confident and determined to achieve the best possible result” after months of focused training.
At just 17 years old, Trần Nguyễn Bảo Ngọc is among Vietnam’s most promising young fighters, having already won bronze medals at the 2025 Asian Muay Championship, 2025 World Kickboxing Cup, and 2024 World Youth Kickboxing Championship. She said: “Each tournament teaches me how to adapt and perform better. I’ll do my best to deliver my strongest performance”.
Also joining the team is Jrai fighter Ksor Phuk from Chư Băh A village, Ia Rbol commune, who called his first world championship appearance “an unforgettable experience” and “a source of pride” for his community.
Before heading to Abu Dhabi, the Gia Lai fighters will compete in the National Kickboxing Clubs Championship in Cần Thơ City from November 9 to 17, which their coach Trần Bảo Sơn described as a crucial warm-up. “The World Championship is extremely competitive, featuring only two age categories,” he said. “This is a valuable chance for our athletes to gain experience and fight for medals”.
