On January 12, the inaugural congress of the Vietnam Kendo Federation (VKF) took place in Hanoi, marking a significant step for the sport’s development in the country.

The congress elected a 19-member Executive Committee for the 2025–2030 term. Do Tri Nhan, Chairman of the Board at ETECH Vietnam Group, was chosen as the federation’s first president. The leadership team also includes five vice presidents and one general secretary.

The VKF aims to focus on high-performance sports, enhance the quality of referees and coaches, and establish a strong foundation for organizing domestic competitions.

In his acceptance speech, Do Tri Nhan emphasized the federation’s broader cultural and sporting goals: “The successful establishment of the Vietnam Kendo Federation underscores the importance of socializing cultural and sports activities, contributing to the advancement of the nation’s cultural and athletic achievements.”

Kendo in Vietnam

Kendo, a modern martial art rooted in Japan’s traditional swordsmanship (kenjutsu), dates back to the 19th century. Since 2007, the sport has gained considerable traction in Vietnam, with over 10,000 practitioners nationwide.

Vietnam’s kendo athletes have already made their mark on the international stage. At the 2024 Asian Open Kendo Championships, the Vietnamese men’s three-person team secured a gold medal, demonstrating the country’s growing prowess in the sport.

The establishment of the Vietnam Kendo Federation is expected to further popularize kendo, elevate its competitive standards, and foster international collaboration.

Dai Nam