Long, who holds a doctorate, officially assumed his duties at the first meeting of the VBF Executive Committee on the afternoon of 16/4.
Long is a familiar figure in Vietnamese martial arts, serving as both a master and manager. He currently chairs the Vietnam Lion and Dragon Dance Federation and the Ho Chi Minh City Mixed Martial Arts Federation (HMMAF), in addition to founding the IVS education system. Previously, he made significant contributions to developing the Vovinam movement in Eastern Europe and established Vietnam's first stunt club in the 1990s.
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Pham Quang Long, the new chairman of the Vietnam Boxing Federation. Photo: VBF |
Pham Quang Long, the new chairman of the Vietnam Boxing Federation. Photo: VBF
Long's election as chairman follows significant changes in VBF's senior personnel. His predecessor, Luu Tu Bao, was deemed unable to continue leadership due to legal issues abroad.
Bao is suspected of involvement in a transnational drug trafficking ring, accused of conspiring to import 178 kg of cocaine into Australia between 2016 and 2017. An individual named Bao Tu Luu, matching Bao's identity, is wanted by Australian authorities, who have requested extradition.
According to prosecution documents, the ring operated in several countries: Australia, Canada, Colombia, Panama, and Vietnam. Investigators allege Bao Tu Luu played a coordinating, financing, and supervisory role in drug importation activities. Evidence reportedly collected includes messages, images, and audio recordings related to organizing cocaine shipments.
Bao was reportedly arrested in California, US, in 4/2025. At a hearing at a San Francisco federal court, he only confirmed his personal information and stated he understood the charges. The court subsequently ordered his temporary detention while considering Australia's extradition request. If convicted, the maximum sentence could be life imprisonment.
However, to date, domestic authorities have not officially confirmed that Luu Tu Bao is the same Bao Tu Luu mentioned in the case files. The Sports Authority of Vietnam has coordinated with relevant agencies to verify his legal status.
Xuan Binh
