Vietnam’s national karate team, a dominant force in regional sports, has set its sights on defending its title at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, scheduled for December 2025 in Thailand. Having topped the medal tally with six gold medals at last year’s Games in Cambodia, and seven golds on home soil in 2022, the team is under intense training to maintain its position as the region’s powerhouse in karate.

This year’s SEA Games hold particular significance as Vietnam aims to reinforce its reputation in one of its strongest sports. With 15 medal sets up for grabs in Thailand—seven in men’s kumite (combat), six in women’s kumite, and two in kata (performance)—the Vietnamese squad is leaving no stone unturned. The team’s preparation includes participation in high-profile international tournaments, such as the Asian Championships in Uzbekistan in May and the World Tournament in Egypt in November, as warm-ups for the regional showdown.

“We are practising with high concentration, bringing together the strongest athletes who have proven themselves in recent local and international competitions,” said Vũ Sơn Hà, head of the Karate Department at the Sports Authority of Vietnam. His confidence is echoed by the coaching staff, who see the SEA Games as a critical milestone not only for regional dominance but also as a stepping stone toward the 20th Asian Games (ASIAD) in Japan in 2026.

A Blend of Experience and Emerging Talent

The Vietnamese karate team, comprising 38 fighters, began intensive training a month ago in Hanoi. The roster includes seasoned athletes who have become familiar names in the sport. In the kata category, stars like Giang Việt Anh, Lê Hồng Phúc, Phạm Minh Đức, Nguyễn Thị Phương, Lưu Thị Thu Uyên, and Nguyễn Ngọc Trâm are expected to lead with their precision and artistry. Meanwhile, the kumite team features formidable fighters such as Nguyễn Thị Ngoan, Đinh Thị Hương, Hoàng Thị Mỹ Tâm, and Chu Văn Đức, known for their combat prowess.

Alongside these veterans, a wave of young talent is emerging, adding depth to the squad. Athletes like Trương Nam Tiến, Nguyễn Thị Bảo Ngọc, Phạm Thị Đào, Nguyễn Phương Thảo, Nguyễn Ngọc Tú, and Nguyễn Thị Diệu Ly are being groomed as the next generation of Vietnamese karate champions. For many of these young fighters, the 33rd SEA Games represent a golden opportunity to make their mark on the regional stage.

Nguyễn Thị Diệu Ly, a standout among the newcomers, brings an impressive resume to the team. Having clinched a world youth gold in 2022 and an Asian gold in 2024, she is eager to secure a spot in the SEA Games lineup. “I have not competed in the SEA Games previously. I hope that I will secure a place in the team this time, and I will do my best to bring home a medal,” she said with determination.

Head coach Dương Hoàng Long praised Diệu Ly’s potential, noting, “She is a young fighter with high quality and promise. She proves her ability from tournament to tournament. We strongly support her in training and hope that she will make use of her strength to achieve the highest results.”

Vietnam’s Karate Legacy

Karate has long been a source of national pride for Vietnam, consistently delivering medals at regional and international competitions. Over the past two years, the national team has racked up an enviable record: three gold medals and a second-place finish at the 2024 Asian Championships, a gold at the Asian Youth Championship, and a staggering 21 golds to claim the top spot at the 2024 Southeast Asian Championships.

At the previous ASIAD, Vietnam’s karate team secured one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals, a testament to their competitive edge beyond the Southeast Asian arena. These achievements have set a high benchmark, and the team is acutely aware of the expectations as they prepare for Thailand.

“The SEA Games are an important goal. We have made careful plans and will prepare well for the regional arena, where all teams will also focus on earning the highest score,” said Vũ Sơn Hà. His comments reflect the broader strategy of not just maintaining dominance but also building a sustainable pipeline of talent for future competitions.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While Vietnam enters the 33rd SEA Games as a favourite, the competition will be fierce. Host nation Thailand, along with other regional contenders like Indonesia and the Philippines, will be eager to challenge Vietnam’s reign. The Vietnamese team’s ability to balance the experience of its veterans with the energy of its younger athletes will be crucial.

Beyond the SEA Games, the road to the 2026 ASIAD looms large. Success in Thailand could provide a psychological boost and valuable experience for the team as they aim to replicate or surpass their previous ASIAD performance. For young fighters like Nguyễn Thị Diệu Ly, these regional games are not just about medals but also about gaining the confidence and exposure needed for larger international stages.

As the team continues its rigorous training and international warm-up events, the nation watches with anticipation. Karate, a sport deeply embedded in Vietnam’s sporting culture, remains a beacon of excellence and determination. Whether the team can defend its title in Thailand will depend on their preparation, cohesion, and ability to adapt under pressure—a challenge they seem more than ready to embrace.