Belarusian Wrestler Zakhar Dominates Vietnamese Wrestling Scene

Zakhar Dzmitrychenka, a Belarusian wrestler, has become a prominent figure in traditional Vietnamese wrestling, captivating audiences with his skill and strength. He recently won first prize at the Ngo Sai wrestling tournament in Hanoi, defeating multiple Vietnamese champions.

Zakhar’s Rise in Vietnamese Wrestling

Since 2025, Zakhar has consistently won at village wrestling tournaments in Hanoi and Bac Ninh, never losing to a Vietnamese opponent – only winning or drawing. Born in 1996, the 1.81m (approximately 5’11”) and 94kg (approximately 207lbs) wrestler brings a unique presence to the traditional Vietnamese sport.

Victories at the Ngo Sai Tournament

At the Ngo Sai wrestling tournament, held from February 4th to February 9th, 2026, Zakhar secured first place after winning three matches, including victories against wrestling champions Nguyen The Cu and Nguyen Dinh Long. The tournament, celebrating the Party and the Lunar Recent Year of the Horse 2026, drew wrestlers from across Vietnam.

Match Against Nguyen The Cu

Zakhar’s match against Nguyen The Cu, a national champion who had been a nine-time national champion in traditional wrestling, ended in a draw after five rounds. The winner was determined by weight, with Zakhar (94kg) emerging victorious over Cu (102kg).

Match Against Nguyen Dinh Long

Zakhar then faced Nguyen Dinh Long, another highly-regarded national champion. Despite Long’s experience, Zakhar won the match, earning the tournament’s first prize: an electric motorcycle valued at 27 million VND (approximately $1,085 USD as of February 26, 2026).

Previous Competitions

Prior to the Ngo Sai tournament, Zakhar competed in other Vietnamese wrestling festivals. On February 11, 2025, at the Quậy Châu Phong village festival in Hanoi, he drew with Nguyễn Thế Cử, with both wrestlers receiving 19 million VND in prize money. On April 11, 2025, at the Man Xa village festival in Bac Ninh province, he drew with Ha Van Hieu, also known as “Hieu the Giant,” sharing a prize of $10,000 (260 million VND).

Fan Reception

Zakhar, nicknamed “Thor” by Vietnamese fans, has gained a significant following, drawing large crowds to wrestling festivals. His impressive physique and performance have made him a popular figure in the Vietnamese wrestling community.