Vietnam Wins World Kun Khmer Championships, Surpasses Cambodia in Gold Medal Count

SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia – In a stunning display of athleticism and strategic prowess, Vietnam has emerged victorious at the 6th World Kun Khmer Championship, surpassing host nation Cambodia to claim the overall lead with a total of 18 gold medals. The championship concluded on February 14th in the coastal city of Sihanoukville, marking a significant milestone for Vietnam in this traditional martial art.

The victory is particularly remarkable given that this was Vietnam’s inaugural participation in the prestigious tournament. Competing on Cambodian soil, widely considered the birthplace of Kun Khmer, the Vietnamese team defied expectations, earning widespread admiration from the international community. The final day of competition saw Phan Thi Hong Lien secure another gold medal, ultimately tipping the scales in Vietnam’s favor, finishing with one more gold than Cambodia.

Kun Khmer, a martial art sharing similarities with Muay Thai and kickboxing, distinguishes itself through a unique rule system and a striking style emphasizing elbow and knee techniques. The tournament itself, originally scheduled for December, faced postponement due to border conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand late last year.

“As the head of the delegation, I was truly moved to witness the spirit of unity and unwavering will of all members,” stated Nguyen Trong Nguyen, Deputy Director of the National Sports Training Center. “I would like to thank the coaches for their dedicated guidance and the players who bravely competed and gave 100% of their abilities.” Nguyen’s comments underscore the dedication and collaborative effort that propelled the Vietnamese team to success.

Vietnam’s success wasn’t limited to the medal count. The Vietnamese team also made a notable impact on the management and operation of the tournament itself. This recognition culminated in the election of Vietnamese representative Ho Thanh Liem to the Standing Committee of the International Khmer Kun Federation (KIF) for the 2026-2030 term, with Liem subsequently appointed as a KIF Vice President.

This appointment represents a strategic advancement for Vietnamese combat martial arts, strengthening its presence and influence on the global stage. It’s a testament to the growing respect for Vietnam’s commitment to and expertise in Kun Khmer.

Looking ahead, 2026 promises further development for the sport within Vietnam. Plans are underway to establish both a Southeast Asian Khmer Kun Federation and an Asian Khmer Kun Federation, signaling a regional push to formalize and expand the sport’s reach. Domestically, the Vietnamese Ministry of Sports and Sports officially designated Khmer Kun as a high-performance sport (Group III) at the end of January, demonstrating a national commitment to its growth.

The domestic calendar is also filling up. The first National Khmer Kun Club Championships are scheduled to be held in Tay Ninh in June, followed by events in Gia Lai in August and Can Tho in September. Notably, Can Tho has also been selected by the World Khmerkun Federation to host the 7th World Khmerkun Championships, slated for the end of November 2026.

The recent success in Cambodia, coupled with these upcoming events, positions Vietnam as a rising force in the world of Kun Khmer. The team’s performance at the 6th World Kun Khmer Championship is not merely a sporting achievement. it’s a statement of intent, signaling Vietnam’s ambition to become a leading nation in this dynamic and culturally significant martial art. The dedication of the athletes, the strategic leadership of the delegation and the growing national support all point towards a bright future for Khmer Kun in Vietnam.

While earlier in the tournament, Vietnam had secured four gold medals and one silver, with fighters Phung Thi Hong Tham, Nguyen Thi Mai, Ta Kim Yen, and Phung Phu Thuan delivering commanding performances, it was the final push and Phan Thi Hong Lien’s gold that ultimately secured the overall victory. The initial setback of Nguyen Ngoc Quyen’s defeat in the men’s 73kg amateur final proved to be a temporary hurdle, quickly overcome by the team’s resilience, and determination.

The participation of over 120 athletes from 20 countries and territories underscored the growing international appeal of Kun Khmer. Vietnam’s triumph in Sihanoukville is a compelling narrative of first-time contenders challenging established powers, and a testament to the power of dedication and strategic investment in a rapidly evolving sport.