Vietnam’s homegrown martial art will today be officially recognized at a ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City to establish the International Vovinam Federation (IVF), the federation said.

At a pre-opening ceremony event in HCMC Thursday, organizers and representatives from supporting countries and regions discussed proposed regulations for the federation.

Standing Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Danh Thai said: “This event is important because it will build a shared roof for the big family of Vovinam artists around the globe. It will help further develop Vietnam’s traditional martial art in other areas of the world.”

Hoang Vinh Giang, who holds the titles of vice chairman and general secretary of the Vietnam Olympic Committee, said, “As Vovinam grows in Vietnam and around the world, it is important to establish IVF to monitor and develop Vovinam around the world.”

Reported by Nghia Pham