Asian Games

Lưu Diễm Quỳnh of Việt Nam (right) lands a punch on Chinese Li Qian during their women's 75kg boxing match at the Asian Games in China. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Lưu Diễm Quỳnh earned Việt Nam's only bronze medal in boxing at the 19th Asian Games on October 3 in Hangzhou, China.

Quỳnh faced strong rival Li Qian from China in the semi-final match of the women's 75kg category.

Despite her great efforts, Quỳnh could not found a solution to resist Li's powerful attacks. 

Li won gold in the 2018 world championship, gold in the 2018 Asian championship and silver in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Quỳnh lost 0-5 and took the bronze in her first time taking part at Asia's largest sporting event.

Coach Nguyễn Như Cường praised Quỳnh's efforts and said the medal was the really valuable for Việt Nam.

“Việt Nam sent nine boxers to this Games but only Quỳnh entered the top three," said Cường.

"The Asian Games is a big competition with strong athletes. My boxers did their best. 

Quỳnh added: "In my first time in Asian Games, I played all matches like final matches. The deeper round the tougher rival I punched.

"Li was much better than me but I tried to compete as well as I could and show people's Việt Nam's spirit.

"I am happy with the result which helped my team completed our mission."

It was Việt Nam's 14th bronze medal. The delegation has also won one gold and three silvers after 10 days. — VNS