The tournament, held in Thailand from April 5 to April 12, drew 980 fighters from 30 countries and territories. Thailand topped the medal table, followed by Uzbekistan, with Vietnam finishing third.
Vietnam competed with a delegation led by Vu Duc Thinh, president of the Vietnam kickboxing federation, including 15 coaches and 52 athletes.
Thinh said the results reflected thorough preparation by training centres and the determination of Vietnamese fighters. He added that participation, largely supported by local and socialised funding, demonstrated growing backing for the sport’s development in Vietnam.
The outcome marked a significant rise from the previous season, when Vietnam sent 33 athletes and won only four gold medals. With a larger squad of 52 competitors, the team achieved a sharp increase in both medal count and overall ranking despite strong international competition.
Vietnamese fighters delivered consistent performances throughout the tournament. Athletes such as Trieu Phuong Thuy and Nguyen Thi Hoai Nhi stood out in key bouts, contributing to the team’s medal tally.
Notably, this year marked Vietnam’s debut in the forms category, which focuses on technique, precision and artistic expression. The team made an immediate impact, with Vuong Hien Hao and Truong Tan Loc from Can Tho winning two gold medals.
Ho Thanh Liem, head of the kickboxing khun khmer division in Can Tho, said the unit began investing in the forms discipline after the 2025 world championship in the United Arab Emirates. Eight athletes were selected for intensive training, and the results at this year’s tournament reflected the programme’s effectiveness.
With a growing athlete base, improved results and broader participation across disciplines, Vietnam kickboxing is showing clear progress. The performance at the 2026 tournament highlights the team’s rising competitiveness and sets a strong foundation for future regional and continental events.