Female Karate Trio Clinches Vietnam’s First Gold Medal at ASIAD 20

On the afternoon of September 22 (Vietnam time), the Vietnamese karate trio took the floor in the women’s team kata final, putting on an exceptional routine.

Unlike the taolu (forms) events in wushu—where all competitors perform in a single pool—the karate kata team event employs a head-to-head knockout bracket similar to sparring (kumite).

Three years ago at ASIAD 19 in Hangzhou, Nguyen Ngoc Tram alongside Nguyen Thi Phuong and Luu Thi Thu Uyen—under the guidance of legendary “kata queen” coach Nguyen Hoang Ngan—won the gold medal in this event.

However, Hangzhou featured only four participating nations: Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Brunei. At this year’s Asian Games, the field expanded to eight nations, featuring formidable squads from Iran, Chinese Taipei, and Macau.

At 24, Nguyen Ngoc Tram—the youngest member of the previous championship squad—now stepped up as the veteran leader alongside newcomers Hoang Thi Thu Uyen (20) and Bui Ngoc Nhi (19).

In the quarterfinals, Vietnam faced Nepal and advanced with a clean 5–0 sweep, securing higher scores from all five judges.

The Vietnamese kata team steps onto the mat. (Photo: Quy Luong)

In the semifinals, Vietnam met Chinese Taipei, a perennial powerhouse in Asian Games karate. While the contest was far tighter than the opening round, Tram, Uyen, and Nhi edged out their opponents.

The five judges awarded Vietnam scores of 8.0, 8.1, 8.1, 8.5, and 8.5, narrowly outscoring Chinese Taipei (7.7, 7.8, 7.8, 8.2, and 8.1).

Reaching the gold medal clash, Vietnam went up against Iran, who had eliminated both Thailand and the Philippines.

In the final, the five judges awarded Iran scores of 8.4, 7.9, 8.4, 7.6, and 8.3. Vietnam earned 8.8, 8.2, 8.8, 8.3, and 8.6.

With higher marks across all five scorecards, Vietnam sealed an undisputed 5–0 victory over Iran to take the title.

Three years after their triumph at ASIAD 19, Vietnam’s kata athletes successfully defended their women’s team crown. Despite significant generational shifts in both the athlete lineup and coaching staff, the squad proved that women’s team kata remains an enduring stronghold for Vietnamese karate.

Highlights of Vietnam’s Gold-Medal Defense at ASIAD:

The trio in action during the final. 

Pure joy after striking gold.

Coach Thu Ha (left) celebrates with her athletes. 

Vietnam’s first gold medal at ASIAD 20. 

Prior to this gold medal in women’s team kata, Vietnamese karate had already secured two bronze medals at ASIAD 20, won by Bui Ngoc Nhi in women’s individual kata and Nguyen Thi Dieu Ly in women’s 68kg individual kumite.

(Source: tuoitre.vn)