Nine Vietnamese martial artists have left for an amateur international Muaythai competition set to kick off on March 13 in Thailand to boast participants from 43 countries and territories.

The Vietnamese athletes are scheduled to compete against some tough rivals from Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Canada and Uzbekistan in the first two days; but their coaches said the Vietnamese martial artists could go far if they win their first matches.

They are expected to win three gold medals at the four-day competition, which will end on March 17.

After the event, the Vietnamese team will travel to Bangkok to compete in a semi-professional Muaythai contest to be held from March 19-22.