Defence Minister Appreciates National Technical Seminar, Extends Best Wishes to Indian Athletes for Asian Championship
Dainik India news 06JUN2026, Lucknow: The ongoing National Technical Seminar at Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University, which has transformed Lucknow into a hub of international martial arts training, received significant recognition on Saturday when a delegation from the Vovinam Martial Arts Association of India met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at his Kalidas Marg residence during his three-day visit to the city. The interaction highlighted the growing stature of Vovinam in India and underscored the strengthening sporting and cultural ties between India and Vietnam.
The delegation was led by Vovinam Association of India National President Praveen Garg and included Vice-Chancellor of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University Prof. Ajay Taneja, Director of the Technical Committee of the World Vovinam Federation Master Huynh Khac Nguyen, senior Vietnamese coach Master Pham Chi Thinh, National General Secretary Shankar Mahabale (Maharashtra), Technical Director Deven Moirangthem (Manipur), Joint Secretary Vinod Lakhera, Brijesh Kumar Bhau (Jammu & Kashmir), Rishi Pal Bharti, Devendra Singh Rawat and Vinamra Garg. The delegation reflected the growing national and international footprint of Vovinam in India.
During the meeting, Praveen Garg briefed the Defence Minister about the seven-day National Technical Seminar currently being held in Lucknow. He informed him that senior athletes, coaches and masters from 21 states are undergoing advanced training under the direct supervision of expert instructors from Vietnam. The seminar is playing a vital role in preparing Indian athletes for international competitions and enhancing the technical standards of the sport in the country.
Listening attentively to the delegation, Rajnath Singh expressed his happiness over the successful organization of the special training camp under the guidance of the International Vovinam Federation. He remarked that Vovinam is steadily establishing a strong identity at the national level and has emerged as an excellent platform for promoting discipline, self-confidence and physical excellence among Indian youth.
Recalling his visit to Vietnam, the Defence Minister shared that he had personally witnessed the remarkable discipline, technique and cultural richness associated with Vietnamese martial arts. He emphasized that sports are not merely a medium of competition but also a powerful bridge for friendship, mutual understanding and cultural exchange between nations. His remarks were warmly received by the members of the delegation and generated renewed enthusiasm among those associated with the sport.
Rajnath Singh further assured the delegation that every possible effort would be made to facilitate the promotion and development of Vovinam in India. Extending his best wishes to the Indian contingent for the upcoming Asian Championship scheduled to be held in Cambodia this November, he expressed confidence that Indian athletes would deliver outstanding performances and bring glory to the nation on the international stage.
As a mark of respect, the delegation presented the Defence Minister with a bouquet, a traditional Vovinam ceremonial stole and a commemorative memento. One of the most memorable moments of the meeting came when Master Huynh Khac Nguyen presented Rajnath Singh with a special framed photograph depicting his earlier meeting with To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of Vietnam. The gesture symbolized the deepening friendship and mutual respect between the two countries.
It is noteworthy that the National Technical Seminar being hosted at Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University has brought together senior athletes and instructors from across India, who are receiving intensive training from Vietnamese experts. Sports observers believe that the event will prove to be a landmark in the history of Vovinam in India and will play a significant role in enhancing the country's presence at both Asian and global levels in the years to come.