Vietnam Taekwondo Leader Receives Historic 9th Degree Black Belt, Charts Course for Olympic Revival
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A prestigious honor and ambitious reforms signal a new chapter for Vietnamese taekwondo, as its federation president aims to restore the nation’s competitive edge on the world stage.
Last weekend, Truong Ngoc De, President of the Vietnam Taekwondo Federation (VTF), received a 9th degree black belt from the Kukkiwon, the world Taekwondo Academy. This unprecedented recognition marks De as the first president of a national taekwondo organization outside of Korea to achieve this distinction. The award acknowledges De’s significant contributions to the development of taekwondo both within Vietnam and internationally.
A Legacy of Leadership and Olympic Glory
De is currently serving his sixth term as VTF President (2022-2026), having previously led the federation from 2013 to 2017 and 2017 to 2021. His long-term commitment to the sport extends beyond administration; he previously served as the coach of the Vietnam Taekwondo team, nurturing a generation of athletes.
He is credited with fostering the careers of iconic Vietnamese martial artists, including Tran Hieu Ngan, Tran Quang Ha, and Ho Nhat Thong. De’s coaching culminated in a historic achievement at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where Tran Hieu Ngan secured a silver medal – a feat Vietnamese taekwondo has yet to replicate. “This silver medal remains a pivotal moment in Vietnamese taekwondo history,” a senior official stated.
Addressing Recent Setbacks and Implementing Reform
Despite this past success, Vietnamese taekwondo has faced challenges in recent years. The nation failed to qualify for both the Rio 2016 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, signaling a decline in competitive performance. Recognizing the need for revitalization, De has initiated a series of bold reforms as VTF President.
These reforms include a strategic partnership with Iranian experts to enhance the training regimen of the men’s taekwondo team. The goal is to address technical deficiencies and elevate the overall skill level of Vietnamese athletes.
Southeast Asian Games Focus and Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, the VTF has set ambitious targets for the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games. Vietnam Taekwondo aims to secure between three and four gold medals, with a projected one to two gold medals coming from sparring events.
The federation’s long-term vision extends beyond regional success, with a renewed focus on qualifying for future Olympic Games and reclaiming Vietnam’s position as a prominent force in the world of taekwondo. “.