The event was packed with activities designed showcase the athletic prowess of the country’s best judoka while also advancing the knowledge and skills of coaches, referees and athletes alike. From intense competitions to educational seminars, the championships proved to be a well-rounded event that highlighted both the spirit of the sport and the future of judo in Vietnam.
The comprehensive programme was aimed at enhancing the overall quality of Vietnamese judo. It began with a series of meetings and seminars tailored to both coaches and referees. A highlight was the national referees’ examination, where officials were tested on their knowledge and ability to apply the latest International Judo Federation rules. A kata seminar was also held, exploring technical understanding. Participants of all skill levels took part in these educational opportunities, gaining valuable insights into the finer details of the sport. Additionally, a judges' workshop and examination further ensured that officiating standards met global norms.
The Kata National Championships also took place during the week, attracting participants who were eager to show their mastery of the traditional forms, with a notable entry from a group of 65 dedicated kata specialists. Five kata competitions took place for both men and women. Each kata event welcomed 6 to 7 pairs. Mr Nguyen Thanh Tai, responsible for kata for the federation, supervised the selection and preparation for the World Kata Championships and for the South Eastern Games this year (the Vietnamese team won a silver and a bronze medal at previous world kata championships). These events provided a holistic look at the technical side of judo, complementing the excitement of the competition.
The individual senior championship was a significant draw for athletes across Vietnam. A total of 381 participants competed, with 230 men and 111 women, representing a diverse group from across the country. The athletes were selected through the 22 regional training centres, which serve as the primary talent hubs for the nation’s top judoka. These centres have been redefined recently to ensure a more balanced distribution of talent across the country, allowing for a more inclusive approach to the sport’s development.
One different and interesting aspect of the event is the use of additional, light weight categories to allow more athletes to compete more evenly, ensuring fairness and encouraging wider participation. For both continuity and development, the participants of the last four Olympic Games were present: Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy was an athlete in Tokyo, Hoang Thi Tinh (mead an athlete in Paris and Van Ngoc Tu was a referee in London and Rio.
The championships included team events for both men and women, with 21 teams per gender. The team event provided an additional layer of excitement and strategy to the competition, fostering a sense of camaraderie and national pride among the participants.
The referees’ seminar was a key educational moment, conducted by Mr Ly Dai Nghia of the National Referee Commission. The seminar focused on the newly implemented IJF rules for 2025, providing in-depth explanations and demonstrations for the participants. This year’s seminar also saw the inclusion of coaches, making it a collaborative learning experience for both referees and those responsible for training the next generation of judoka.
Using the most up-to-date IJF instructional videos, Mr Ly Dai Nghia and his team explained crucial rule changes and their implications for competitive judo. Both classroom and tatami-based sessions took place at the competition venue. These seminars ensured that the referees were up to date with global standards but also helped coaches understand how to prepare their athletes better, in line with the evolving nature of the sport.
The 2025 Vietnamese Senior National Judo Championships were a resounding success, offering a mix of competition, education and development that set a high standard for future events. With a strong emphasis on the technical aspects of judo through seminars and examinations, alongside exciting competition, the championships offered a glimpse into the future of Vietnamese judo.
As the sport continues to grow and evolve, these efforts are key to ensuring that Vietnam’s judoka are competitive on the world stage. The event was not just about crowning champions, but about equipping the entire judo community with the tools to succeed in the years ahead. It was a true celebration of the sport’s depth, from its most dedicated athletes to its future leaders and referees.
Article: Elisabetta Fratini - Photo credits Coa Sy Hong Quang and Huu Hanh Pham