The championship concluded on February 14 in Sihanoukville. Originally scheduled for December 17–23 last year, the event was postponed due to border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand.

Competing in Cambodia, widely regarded as the birthplace of Kun Khmer, the Vietnamese team delivered a standout performance, finishing with 18 gold medals, one more than hosts Cambodia.

On the final day of competition, Phan Thi Hong Lien secured a decisive gold medal that propelled Vietnam to the top of the overall standings.

The Vietnamese delegation at the 2025 world championship consisted of 35 athletes representing various provinces nationwide, reflecting the sport’s expanding development across the country.

Team leader Nguyen Trong Nguyen, deputy director of Vietnam’s National Sports Training Centre, praised the athletes’ unity and determination, highlighting their resilience and competitive spirit throughout the tournament.

Beyond competitive success, Vietnam also strengthened the position within the sport’s international governance. At the Executive Committee meeting of the Kun Khmer International Federation (KIF) for the 2026–2030 term, Vietnam’s representative Ho Thanh Liem was elected to the Standing Committee and appointed Vice President of the federation.

The appointment is seen as a strategic step in elevating Vietnam’s profile within the global Kun Khmer community.

The 7th Kun Khmer World Championship is scheduled to take place in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho in late November 2026, further underscoring its growing influence in the sport.

Earlier, at the SEA Games 32 held in Cambodia, Kun Khmer was included in the official medal programme for the first time. Vietnam won five gold medals, seven silver medals and five bronze medals at the games.

Kun Khmer, a traditional Cambodian martial art, has gained international recognition and is now practiced competitively in multiple countries. The sport shares similarities with Muay Thai and kickboxing, featuring a fast-paced style and close-range combat techniques, including elbow and knee strikes.

Four golds for Vietnam at World Kun Khmer Championship

VOV.VN - Vietnamese fighters made a strong impression on February 11, the second day of competition at the 2026 World Kun Khmer Championship, securing a total of four gold medals.