First Vovinam national championship held in Algeria

The first Vovinam (a Vietnamese martial art form) National Championship was held at the Omni Sport Gymnasium, in Ain El Hammam Commune, Tizi Ouzou Province, Algeria, from January 14-15.

The tournament attracted about 500 martial arts from clubs, most of which came from Tizi Ouzou, along with some foreign students studying and living in Algeria. (Photo: VNA)
The tournament attracted about 500 martial arts from clubs, most of which came from Tizi Ouzou, along with some foreign students studying and living in Algeria. (Photo: VNA)

The tournament attracted about 500 martial arts from clubs, most of which came from Tizi Ouzou, as well as some foreign students who are studying and living in Algeria.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Nguyen Thanh Vinh affirmed that the Vietnamese Embassy always accompanies the Vietnam Martial Arts Federation in Algeria in developing the movement of learning and practicing Vovinam in the country, making positive contributions to strengthening cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Ambassador Vinh also had a meeting and exchange with Master Aitabdelmalek Larbi, who founded and introduced this martial art to Algeria in 1973 and had continued to teach to the present day.

The Ambassador expressed his admiration for the great contributions made by Master Larbi to the development of Vietnamese martial arts in Algeria as well as in some African countries.

On this occasion, Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Vinh presented the Medal for the cause of culture, sports and tourism of the Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism to Master Larbi and the “Uncle Ho” Medal toPresident of the Vietnam Martial Arts Federation in Algeria Ait Medjber in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the development of the movement of learning and practicing Vovinam in Algeria as well as some African countries over the years.