A total of 51 martial artists hailing from 17 French-speaking countries, territories and archipelagos across Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia are competing in an international Taekwondo Championship which began in Ho Chi Minh City on June 15.

Vietnamese taekwondoist Nguyen Trong Cuong won a gold medal in the over-80 kg weight division after beating his opponent from the Ivory Coast , while Doan Thi Huong Giang came top in the women’s under-49 kg category.

After the first day, Vietnam with two gold, two silver and three bronze medals, was ranked second behind the Ivory Coast , which won three golds.

The two-day tournament, the ninth of its kind, is one of a number of activities that are celebrating the 40 th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and France .-VNA