The tournament, held from March 3 to 10 at the Provincial Sports Arena in Pleiku Ward, gathered nearly 400 athletes from 41 clubs across 24 provinces and cities where the sport is gaining momentum. Gia Lai province hosted the national event for the second time.
This year’s competition carried added significance as teams intensified preparations for the 2026 National Sports Games, Vietnam’s largest multi-sport event held every four years.
Among the participants were several of the country’s most accomplished fighters, including Huỳnh Hà Hữu Hiếu, Hoàng Khánh Mai, Dương Đức Bảo, Trương Cao Minh Phát, Triệu Phương Thủy and Đào Đại Hải. On the opening day, the athletes were awarded the Labor Order in recognition of their achievements on world and continental stages.
One of the tournament’s most anticipated matchups came in the women’s 48kg final, where veteran world champion Huỳnh Hà Hữu Hiếu of Ho Chi Minh City faced rising star Hoàng Khánh Mai of Hanoi, who also claimed a world title in 2025.
The bout, contested over three rounds, was widely viewed as a generational clash in Vietnamese Muay. Hữu Hiếu relied on experience and composure, while her 20-year-old opponent pressed forward with aggressive strikes. After a tense exchange, the Ho Chi Minh City fighter secured victory on technical points to claim the gold medal.
Another highlight came in the men’s 63.5kg final, where Trương Cao Minh Phát of Tây Ninh, the first Vietnamese fighter to win a WBC Muay Thai world title, defeated Vũ Đình Sơn of the People’s Public Security team by knockout in the third round.
Dương Đức Bảo of Tây Ninh also delivered a decisive performance in the men’s 48kg final. The former World Youth Muay Championships gold medalist and 33rd SEA Games silver medalist stopped local fighter Võ Huy Hoàng of Gia Lai after the first round.
Huy Hoàng, a member of the national kickboxing team, struggled with the transition to Muay rules. Despite quick footwork and counterattacks, he was unable to withstand Đức Bảo’s powerful knee strikes and withdrew due to a rib injury.
The tournament attracted strong local support, with stands at the Provincial Sports Arena consistently filled by spectators.
Nguyễn Văn Hùng, a resident of Diên Hồng Ward, said he rarely missed the opportunity to watch Muay matches live.
“I really enjoy Muay. I used to train at local clubs and often watch matches online,” he said. “When the tournament was held here in Pleiku, I made sure to come. The atmosphere at the arena is always electric.”
Chief referee Phan Thị Ngọc Linh attributed the event’s success to the host province’s thorough preparations.
“Gia Lai organized the tournament very professionally,” she said. “Facilities, security, medical services and competition conditions were all arranged to a high standard.”
