May 11, 2023
HÀ NỘI — Vietnamese Nguyễn Hoàng Hồng Ân’s pencak silat gold medal has been temporarily stripped off after a complaint from Indonesia during the May 10 morning session of the Cambodian 32nd SEA Games.
Ân defeated Safiwa Dwi Meilani of Indonesia in the women’s 50-55kg final at the Chroy Changvar Convention Centre.
She was announced the match winner, bringing the first gold for Việt Nam in this martial art.
Meilani dominated the match and scored many points to lead 61-43 to the victory.
However, Ân locked Meilani and forced her to surrender.
“It is a surprising win for me,” said Ân. “I did not have a second to think about a win.”
“She (Meilani) is fast and agile. She is an experienced fighter who competed in many international competitions. Meanwhile, it is my first SEA Games, and I am under high pressure because people trust in me, and I also want to have high results.
“I was in a difficult situation from the beginning,” Ân said. “I don’t know how to fight her. Fortunately, I suddenly locked her well, and she had to give up.”
However, Indonesian officials did not agree with the decision. Their aggressive words and actions led to a scuffle between the two teams’ coaching staff.
Organisers decided to take the gold back for review.
Just a few minutes later, Việt Nam won gold in the men’s 75-80kg by Nguyễn Tấn Sang, who beat Sheik Ferdous Bin Sheik Alau’ddin of Singapore in the final.
Pencak silat is still ongoing, with Vietnamese athletes competing in three final matches.
Swimmers also took part in qualifications this morning.
SEA Games champion Trần Hưng Nguyên and teammate Cao Văn Dũng qualified for the men’s 200m backstroke.
Phạm Thanh Bảo advanced to the final of the men’s 200m breaststroke.
In athletics, Huỳnh Thị Mỹ Tiên and defending champion Bùi Thị Nguyên will run in the final of the women’s 100m hurdle event.
Also in the afternoon, Việt Nam athletes will compete in the women’s long jump, men’s and women’s 800m, and men’s 3,000m steeplechase. They will also vie for medals in the women’s 4x100m and discus throw.
Many medals are expected for Việt Nam in Cambodian kun khmer, where six fighters will compete in the finals. Wushu’s taolu (performance) events also begin in the afternoon, and medals will be awarded. — VNS