Ngân Hà & Minh Thu

As an experienced South Korean sports health expert, Choi Ju-young came to Việt Nam in April to work with the national football team.

Choi Ju Young (left) at a training session of the national football team. — Photo  baogiaothong.vn

Teaming up with coach Park Hang-seo, Choi Ju-young was with the Vietnamese squad for the Asian Cup 2018, AFF Suzuki Cup 2018, King’s Cup 2019, the 2020 AFC U23 Championship qualification and the 2022 World Cup qualification.

The doctor and coach are close friends. — Photo vietttimes.vn

Before working in Việt Nam, Choi worked with South Korea’s national football teams for nearly 20 years. He also worked in hospitals and taught at universities in South Korea.

Doctor Choi has a close relationship with members of the national football team. — Photo viettimes.vn

“Working here at the proposal of coach Park Hang-seo was not an easy choice for me after nearly 10 years parting in football,” Choi told Vietnam Pictorial Review.

Football players in a practising session. — Photo viettimes.vn

“I find that many people in Việt Nam are interested in sports health. I want to work with and support them on and off the field. In other words, I want to improve the expertise in sports health in Việt Nam.”

Choi found the physical foundations and facilities for sports health are still limited in Việt Nam.

He brought with him equipment and facilities necessary for his work.

In addition to the methods which have proven effective through practice, Choi has developed new methods and has applied effective treatment and rehabilitation methods to many players of the national team.

They include Nguyen Tuấn Anh, Doan Văn Hậu, Vu Văn Thanh, Hà Đức Chinh, Nguyen Trọng Hoàng and Nguyen Văn Quyết who have all recovered from injuries under Choi's watch.

Choi expects to make contributions to Việt Nam's sport healthcare. — Photo baogiaothong.vn

Notably, Tuấn Anh received treatment in South Korea for six months under Choi’s rehabilitation programme. After his treatment, Tuấn Anh returned to the pitch and performed well for the national team.

“The players’ mindset is important in the treatment process, particularly for those suffering injuries which require long-term treatment,” Choi told Vietnam Pictorial Review.

“I always keep an optimistic spirit and show my fervor to the players to whom I am giving treatment. I also spend a lot of time talking with them to keep their spirits up."

Apart from treating injuries for football players in Việt Nam, Choi also helps send Vietnamese players to South Korea for treatment because he has many contacts there.

“The treatment and rehabilitation for players will grow together with the development of Vietnamese football and sports health,” he said.

“Although I have not been in Việt Nam very long, I expect that my contributions will help improve treatment methods for Việt Nam’s sports health.”

Coach Park Hang-seo is a big fan of Choi’s work.

“He is my friend,” Park said. “He is a doctor with good professional capabilities. With his support, my football players will get better care in treating injuries”. — VNS