Vietnam’s unicorn dancers expect medals at Asian Indoor Games

Unicorn and lion dancing will be the events at the upcoming 2nd Asian Indoor Games in Macau from October 25 to November 3 with the participation of eight countries and territories, including Vietnam. At this event, Vietnam will participate in track-and-field, swimming, diving, football, sport dance, sepak takraw, billiards, bowling, chess and Chinese chess, aerobics, lion and unicorn dancing. HCM City’s Nhon Nghia Duong unicorn-lion-dragon dance troupe will represent Vietnam at the Asian Indoor Games and will compete against troupes from China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau. To turn unicorn and lion dancing into sports at the Asian Indoor Games, the Asian Unicorn-Lion-Dragon Dance Federation was established in Asia with eight member countries and territories. The federation set down rules and trained a team of referees, including four from Vietnam, namely Luu Kiem Xuong, Luu Dang Phi, Luu Xuong Ky and Luy Ky Xuong. Those referees will participate in the 2nd Asian Indoor Games. “Vietnam will possibly win medals in these events,” said coach Luu Hoan Phi of Nhon Nghia Duong troupe, who has led the troupe to many countries for performances. Mr. Phi said that Vietnam’s unicorn and lion dance techniques were not behind others in the region. With its long tradition of unicorn dancing, China may win the gold medal in the unicorn dancing while Vietnam, Thailand, Macau and Malaysia will compete for the gold medal in lion dancing. To prepare for this event, the Nhon Nghia Duong troupe has practised for more than one month so far, at least three hours per day, Mr. Phi said. Nhan Dan - Sports