A new wave of controversy has hit the pencak silat competition at SEA Games thirty three after Vietnamese athlete Nguyen Minh Triet was struck in the neck by a Malaysian opponent and required urgent medical attention, yet was still declared the loser of the semifinal match in the men’s sixty five kilogram category.
The incident took place during a clash between Minh Triet and Muhammad Izzu of Malaysia. Izzu delivered a blow that landed directly on the Vietnamese fighter’s neck. Under pencak silat rules, contact to this area is generally considered a violation.
Minh Triet collapsed on the mat in pain as medical staff rushed in to assist him. The Vietnamese coaching team immediately filed a protest with the referees.
Referees rule the Malaysian fighter the winner despite medical emergency
In a decision that shocked both Vietnamese supporters and many spectators in the arena, referees ruled that Izzu had committed no foul. They awarded him the win on the grounds that Minh Triet could no longer continue competing.
Vietnam’s coaching staff expressed disbelief at the ruling, arguing that the strike was illegal and directly caused Minh Triet’s collapse. The athlete was transported to hospital for further examination.
Earlier in the same session, Vietnamese fighter Vu Van Kien lost his semifinal in the sixty kilogram category after delivering a body strike to a Thai opponent who fell to the ground in pain. Referees ruled that Kien’s move was illegal and awarded the Thai athlete the win.
The back to back incidents have intensified debate around pencak silat officiating standards. The sport is known for complex and often disputed rules. Every SEA Games in recent years has seen heated arguments and formal protests over scoring and fouls.
In a separate match on December fifteen, even the Malaysian coaching staff confronted referees following another contentious call, causing disruption inside the competition venue.
Concerns grow over athlete safety and refereeing consistency
As updates continue to come in regarding Minh Triet’s condition, fans across the region have raised concerns about both fighter safety and the transparency of decision making. Many argue that clear rule enforcement is essential to protect athletes in a full contact sport where high risk blows can cause serious injury.
Vietnamese officials hope for positive medical news and clarity from tournament organisers as the controversy continues to unfold.
Related
Discover more from Vietnam Insider
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Source: Vietnam Insider