Karatedo legend Doan Dinh Long, born 1947, became president of Hanoi Karatedo Federation on April 9.

Master Doan Dinh Long (second, right) becomes the President of the Hanoi Karatedo Federation. Photo: Hanoimoi

Additionally, the federation convened its inaugural congress to review and approve prospective missions for the years 2023–2028.

The Hanoi Karatedo Federation is a nonprofit, professional, and social organization that seeks to encourage people to train in karate in order to enhance their physical health and support the growth of both the sport and the country.

At the congress, Master Doan Dinh Long expressed his hope that Hanoi's Karatedo would advance further and that local athletes would perform better in both domestic and international events.

Master Doan Dinh Long, 76, is considered the forerunner of Vietnamese karate and one of the first people to promote Vietnam as one of the largest karate communities in the world.

Long was a coach of the Vietnam national karate team, the Hanoi karate team and the People's Police Karate team.

Trained by the legendary Master Long, many Vietnamese athletes have achieved great success in international competitions, including Ha Kieu Trang, who won four gold medals in three consecutive Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), and Pham Hong Ha, who won a silver medal at the 1997 Asian Games and a bronze medal at the 1997 World Women's Karatedo Championship.

Master Long was awarded the Third Class Labor Medal in 1999 and the Second Class Labor Medal in 2001. He has survived four heart surgeries with an unbreakable spirit.