The People's Public Security Sports Association, in collaboration with the Vietnam Gymnastics Federation and the World Dancesport Federation (WDSF), organized the event for the second time. Last year, the championship also took place in Ho Chi Minh City, attracting 3,000 athletes. The 2026 Asian Dancesport Championship features 52 competition categories under the World Dancesport Federation (WDSF) system. Before Vietnam, the competition was held three times in China.
The Asian regional competition, running from 9 to 12/7, drew athletes from 32 countries and territories. Athletes compete in one round each day.
 |
Phan Hien and Thu Huong on the floor at the 2026 Asian Dancesport Championship. Photo: Ly Vo Phu Hung
On the opening night of 9/7 in Long Hai, the host team earned three gold medals, 5 silver medals, and 5 bronze medals. Among them, Phan Hien and Thu Huong achieved outstanding results in the five-dance all-around Latin category, along with the two solo dances, paso doble and jive. They won gold medals in the two solo dances and ranked 4th in the all-around category. Thu Huong stated, "We are happy to add more awards to our achievements."
Phan Hien, Thu Huong perform the jive. Video: Organizing Committee provided
Previously, Phan Hien and Thu Huong won three dancesport gold medals in the Southeast Asian category. The pair also brought medals to the Vietnamese sports delegation in the five-dance all-around Latin, solo paso doble, and solo jive categories at the 31st SEA Games. They also secured a bronze medal at an event organized by the World Dancesport Federation (WDSF) in the US, becoming the first Vietnamese dancesport pair to rank 41st in the world, thanks to their top 10 finish at the 2024 World Open Latin competition.
 |
Phan Hien and Thu Huong spent one year preparing for the competition. Photo: Ly Vo Phu Hung
Phan Hien, 33 years old, is the husband of dancesport artist Khanh Thi, 44 years old. In 2009, they both won a gold medal 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. Besides competing, they have participated in many game shows and events, and together opened an art training center in Ho Chi Minh City.
Thu Huong, 36 years old, graduated with honors from the Vietnam Dance Academy and has been a national master since 2007. She is currently a single mother with one son. She has been Phan Hien's dance partner since 2019.
Hoang Dung
