In a powerful display of cultural diplomacy, Vovinam - Viet Vo Dao is thriving in the Republic of Senegal, where its influence has reached even the highest levels of government.

Senegal’s Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Khady Diene Gaye, is not only a government official but also a dedicated practitioner of the Vietnamese martial art.

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Dr. Pham Quang Long, President of the Vietnam Institute of Martial Arts Training Science and the Vietnam Lion and Dragon Dance Federation, meets and presents gifts to Minister Khady Diene Gaye.

On April 30, during the International Martial Arts Tournament celebrating the 40th anniversary of Vovinam - Viet Vo Dao in Senegal, Dr. Pham Quang Long, President of the Vietnam Institute of Martial Arts Training Science and President of the Vietnam Lion and Dragon Dance Federation, met with Minister Khady Diene Gaye. On behalf of the Vietnam Olympic Committee and the Lion and Dragon Dance Federation, he presented her with symbolic gifts to honor the occasion.

Minister Gaye emphasized the importance of the anniversary event: “This tournament commemorating 40 years of Vovinam - Viet Vo Dao in Senegal is held under the patronage of the President, with licensing from the Prime Minister and funding from our Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. It is a key cultural and sporting event for our country. I am particularly impressed with the delegation of Vovinam - Viet Vo Dao from Vietnam.”

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Vovinam - Viet Vo Dao continues to grow globally.

She extended her heartfelt gratitude to Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung and to the Vietnam Olympic Committee for the meaningful gifts.

Born in 1985, Minister Khady Diene Gaye began practicing Vovinam - Viet Vo Dao during her university years at Saint Louis University. Her instructor was Sene Abdoulaye, who now serves as the President of the organizing committee for the international tournament celebrating the 40th anniversary of Vovinam - Viet Vo Dao in Senegal.

The international martial arts tournament officially opens on May 2, which also marks exactly one year and one month since Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye took office as the President of Senegal. He is the country’s fifth and youngest president in history.

Dai Nam