Vo Thi Lai: A standout in Dong Nai Vovinam

Thi Lai, a member of the S’tieng ethnic group from Hung Phuoc Commune, Dong Nai Province, has quickly risen as one of the brightest young talents in both the Dong Nai Vovinam team and the Vietnamese national squad. At just 18, she has already built an impressive track record at both the national and international levels.

From a childhood passion to one of Vietnam’s top martial artists

Thi Lai is focusing on training ahead of upcoming competitions. Photo: Bao Tram.

“I began practicing Vovinam as a child, initially just to stay healthy. But the more I trained, the deeper my passion grew, and I became truly dedicated to the sport. In 2020, I was selected for the team, marking the start of my professional career,” Thi Lai recalled about her early days in Vovinam.

Choosing the path of martial arts meant this young woman willingly accepted a difficult journey, as the sport poses particular challenges for women. She faced physical strain, social prejudice, and concerns from her family, major barriers by any measure. Yet, through unwavering determination and support from her teammates, she proved her strength and resilience in the ring. Her teammate, Ban Trung Tuan, shared: “Lai has a strong personality, a fierce fighting spirit, and excels in both stamina and technique.”

At just 18, Thi Lai has already amassed an impressive array of titles, including gold medals at the 2022 National Youth Championship; the 5th Asian Vovinam Championship in 2024 in Bali, Indonesia (women’s 65kg category); the 2024 Youth Championship; the 2024 National Championship; and the 2025 National Vovinam Strong Teams Championship. Most recently, she claimed the gold medal in the women’s 66kg weight class at the 31st National Championship in 2025, held in Vinh Long, helping Dong Nai secure fourth place among 22 participating provinces, cities, and sectors.

Among her accomplishments, the 2022 National Gold Medal marked a defining moment, kicking off her professional career. “That was my very first gold medal, and the happiness I felt at that moment is indescribable,” Lai reflected.

Ready to conquer the global arena

Vo Thi Lai looks ahead with confidence. Photo: Bao Tram.

Thi Lai is currently among the athletes chosen for the Vietnam National Vovinam Team, undergoing intensive training as she prepares for major international competitions, starting with the World Vovinam Championship to be held in Indonesia this November.

Dinh Thien Tung, coach and Vice President of the Dong Nai Vovinam Federation, commented: “Thi Lai has a physical advantage, standing 1.72 meters tall with long arms and legs. She possesses solid technique and a strong competitive spirit. Her only limitation is occasional lapses in focus, which is understandable given her young age. With continued training, she has the potential to go far.”

At present, the coaching team, led by head coach Nguyen Dinh Vap, who directly manages sparring sessions, is crafting specialized training programs to diversify tactics and ensure that Thi Lai and other key athletes remain unpredictable to their opponents in upcoming major competitions.

“It’s a great honor to represent the national team. I’m committed to giving my best to earn top achievements and bring honor to Vietnamese sports.”

Thi Lai confidently states

As the youngest in her family and often away for training, Thi Lai admits she frequently feels homesick: “I’ve lived with my mother since I was little, while my older brothers work far from home. Because I train and compete so often, I really miss my family and often call home for encouragement.”

Fueled by her family’s love and the encouragement of friends and teammates, the young athlete has found the strength to give her all, earning numerous achievements and gradually making a name for herself on both the national and international stage. Thi Lai’s immediate goal is to continue training hard and competing at her best, striving to win more medals not only for Dong Nai Vovinam but also for the Vietnam national Vovinam team.

By Bao Tram – Translated by Tam Binh, Minho