The organising board of the 27th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games has approved the inclusion of Viet Nam's traditional style of martial arts, Vovinam, on the sports list. The games will be held in Myanmar next year.

Vo Danh Hai, general secretary of the World Vovinam Federation, said: "At first, our martial arts were not included. However, Viet Nam Olympic Committee and the federation have persuaded the hosts to put it on the list."

Vovinam matches are expected to be held in the new capital of Myanmar – Nay Pyi Taw City. Athletes will compete for 18 sets of medals, in which combat events make up four and performance 12.

From the start of next year, Viet Nam will hold training courses for Myanmar athletes and also instruct the country's referees.

Two months before the tournament starts, an international vovinam pre-SEA Games tourney will be held to help athletes gain experience.

Vovinam debuted at the 26th SEA Games in Indonesia with 14 sets of medals.– VNS