On the evening of July 17, at Bac Ninh University of Physical Education and Sports (Tu Son City, Bac Ninh), the Vietnam General Martial Arts Federation (VMMAF) held the opening ceremony of the National General Martial Arts Club Cup in 2025.
This is the first time that mixed martial arts (MMA) has had a tournament within the national high-performance sports system issued by the Vietnam Sports Administration.
The event attracted the participation of nearly 200 athletes and coaches, from 24 delegations from 14 provinces and cities across the country. The fighters competed in 24 sets of medals from July 17 to July 20, in different categories and ages.
The opening ceremony took place solemnly with the presence of leaders of the Vietnam Department of Physical Education and Sports, representatives of VMMAF, the Board of Directors of Bac Ninh University of Physical Education and Sports, sponsors, and a large number of coaches, athletes and media.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Dao Gia Bao - Permanent Vice President of VMMAF affirmed that this event is a turning point marking the remarkable maturity of MMA in Vietnam.
"For the first time, the Club Cup tournament is held within the framework of the national competition system. This affirms the increasingly clear position of MMA - a youthful, attractive sport, combining the quintessence of many martial arts in the hearts of fans and experts", Mr. Dao Gia Bao emphasized.
According to the Standing Vice President of VMMAF, the event is the result of the continuous efforts of the Vietnamese MMA community over the years, and is also a foundation to promote investment and intensive training at the local level, contributing to the professionalization of this sport in the future.
Immediately after the opening ceremony, matches for the age group over 18 kicked off, followed by the 16-18 age group competition in the afternoon of the same day. The exciting, fierce but sportsmanlike competition atmosphere spread throughout the stadium.
The tournament is not only a place for martial artists to demonstrate their skills and bravery, but also an opportunity for clubs to exchange, learn and spread the core values of martial arts: martial arts, honesty, and dedication.
In the context of MMA being increasingly loved by young people and the Vietnamese martial arts community, this National Club Cup is expected to become an important annual event, paving the way for many young talents to reach international standards.
