The matches from the qualifying round to the final round of the 2025 Unarmed Combat Sports Festival for all military martial arts clubs held at the National Defense Sports Center III (Military Region 5) always attracted the attention, following, cheering and encouragement of a large number of officers, soldiers and unarmed combat enthusiasts. The forces participating in the sports festival demonstrated the spirit of solidarity, honesty, nobility and determination, with the goal of "being strong to build and protect the Fatherland". In particular, the final round matches were of very high professional quality, taking place fiercely and dramatically.

Lieutenant General Thai Dai Ngoc, member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, awarded certificates of merit from the Minister of National Defense to collectives with outstanding achievements in organizing and ensuring service for the sports festival.

Watching the final match of the 80-84kg weight category for men, age group from 18 to 27, between the Martial Arts Club of the Military Command of Da Nang City and the Martial Arts Club of the Military Command of Bac Ninh Province, the audience was truly satisfied with the decisive and precise moves of the athletes. Despite suffering a thigh injury, with a resilient fighting spirit, the athletes of the Martial Arts Club of the Military Command of Da Nang City overcame themselves to win.

Talking to us after the match, Lieutenant Pham Quoc Khanh (Martial Arts Club of Da Nang City Military Command) shared: “The injury made it difficult for me to move. But thinking of the unit's flag and colors, the trust of my teachers and teammates, I did not allow myself to give up and played my best. When the referee announced the victory, I was truly overwhelmed. For me, this is not only a victory but also a fulcrum for me to overcome all difficulties and challenges.”

The organizing committee awarded trophies and flags to the first, second and third prize winning units of the entire delegation.

Not only the men's finals, the competitions of female athletes in the final round were also attractive and dramatic. For example, the final match of the 48-51kg weight class, age group from 18 to 27, between the Martial Arts Club of the Army Officer School 2 and the Martial Arts Club of the Can Tho City Military Command, the athletes delivered quick and beautiful moves that made the audience cheer and encourage them. Second Lieutenant Nguyen Thu Huyen (Martial Arts Club of the Army Officer School 2) confided: "This was my first time competing in a major tournament, so at first, I was quite pressured. However, I reminded myself to stay calm, deploy the right techniques and tactics, and take advantage of the opportunity to strike quickly and accurately. Thanks to that, I won convincingly."

According to Major General Tran Ba Khuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Military Training and Schools (General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army), Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Organizing Committee of the Sports Festival: This year's Sports Festival attracted 46 martial arts clubs, with 583 athletes from units, schools, and provincial and municipal military commands to compete. The professional level of athletes has been significantly improved and there is uniformity among units. Some clubs still maintain a good tradition of competition such as: Army Officer School 1, Army Officer School 2, Special Forces Officer School...

Although newly established, the Martial Arts Club of the Bac Ninh Provincial Military Command competed quite successfully at this year's sports festival. Lieutenant Colonel Giap Van Ha, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Bac Ninh Provincial Military Command, coach of the Martial Arts Club of the Bac Ninh Provincial Military Command excitedly informed: "We have 20 athletes competing in 15 weight categories for male athletes and 4 weight categories for female athletes. The athletes strictly followed the Army's discipline, regulations, competition rules and regulations of the organizing committee. The whole team won 3 gold medals, 6 silver medals, ranking second overall."

Male athletes compete in the final round.

The 2025 unarmed combat sports competition of martial arts clubs across the army left many good impressions and valuable experiences, helping the Party committees and commanders of agencies and units continue to research and propose solutions to improve the level of organization and management of physical training, physical education and sports activities in general, and martial arts training and practice methods for soldiers in particular.

Lieutenant General Thai Dai Ngoc, member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, requested agencies and units to pay attention to organizing martial arts training movements; doing a good job of propaganda and education for officers, soldiers, professional soldiers, workers and defense officials to have a correct understanding of the position, role, significance and effects of health training, improving physical strength, meeting the requirements and tasks of the Army in the new situation.

The Organizing Committee awarded 116 medals of various types to the athletes who won first, second and third prizes in the weight categories; presented cups and flags to the first, second and third prizes to the entire delegation of martial arts clubs: Army Officer School 1, Bac Ninh Provincial Military Command and Army Officer School 2.

Article and photos: NGUYEN VAN CHUNG

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/lan-toa-thuc-day-phong-trao-luyen-tap-vo-thuat-trong-toan-quan-836291