This marks the third time the dance pair has held the top position in Southeast Asia for the Latin all-around and two solo dance categories.
Their first achievement was in 2022, when they won gold medals in the five-dance Latin all-around, Paso Doble solo, and Jive solo events. The second time, in 2025, they claimed gold in the five-dance Latin all-around, Paso Doble solo, and Samba solo.
Organized annually by the World Dancesport Federation (WDSF), this year's event took place in Manila, Philippines, from 18/4 to 19/4.
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Phan Hien and Thu Huong perform the five-dance Latin all-around. *Photo: Courtesy of subjects* |
To prepare for the championship, Phan Hien and Thu Huong trained daily for three months. Phan Hien stated, "There is nothing more fulfilling than Thu Huong and I retaining the championship title, contributing to the pride of the Vietnam dancesport team."
Beyond Phan Hien and Thu Huong, other pairs also achieved success: Ngoc An and To Uyen, along with Anh Minh and Truong Xuan, secured gold medals in the Waltz solo event, while Quoc Bao and Minh Chau won gold in the Viennese Waltz.
Previously, Phan Hien and Thu Huong brought a bronze medal to the Vietnam sports delegation at the World Championship, and gold medals in the five-dance Latin all-around, Paso Doble solo, and Jive solo at SEA Games 31. They are the first Vietnamese dancesport athletes to be ranked 41st globally, a feat achieved by their top 10 finish at the World Open Latin competition in 2024.
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Phan Hien and Thu Huong with coach Khanh Thi (center). *Photo: Courtesy of subjects* |
Phan Hien, 33, is the husband of dancesport artist Khanh Thi, 44. In 2009, they both won gold at the Asian Dancesport Championship, making Phan Hien a master at just 16 years old. After retiring from competition, Khanh Thi became Phan Hien's coach. Beyond competing, they collaborate on numerous game shows and events, and jointly operate an art training center in TP HCM.
Thu Huong, 36, graduated with distinction from the Vietnam Dance Academy and has been a national master since 2007. She is currently a single mother with one son.
Hoang Dung
