Bùi Thị Thảo Ngân (left) competes in the World Vovinam Championship in November in HCM City. Ngân wins the gold medal in the women's 66kg class. Photo tienphong. vn

HÀ NỘI — 2023 will be the most successful year so far for vovinam (Vietnamese traditional martial art) fighter Bùi Thị Thảo Ngân, who won gold in all tournaments, including the world championships.

Ngân revealed that the key secrets were national pride, determination and strong effort.

Heading into 2024, Ngân hoped to live well with her passion and extend her peak for higher results. 

Born in 2000 in Đồng Tháp Province, Ngân started practising vovinam when she was 13. 

She was strongly encouraged by her family and supported by coaches at the provincial Sports Training and Competition Centre.

Ngân quickly secured a place in Đồng Tháp team before becoming a member of the national team.

"Martial arts practising is never easy. I faced many difficulties and even suffered pain and injuries, but I could not rest. Being sportsmen, and martial artists, we have to train hard every day to ensure our fitness and technique," said Ngân.

"But I have never wanted to quit. I believed that if I patiently practised, I would beat all challenges, overcome my limitations and reach new heights.

"When I got familiar with the hard training schedule and pain, things seemed easier for me. The more I practise the more I love vovinam," said the third-year student of the Đồng Tháp University's Faculty of Physical Education, National Defense and Security.

Coach Trần Hoài Hận said Ngân made incredible progress in both terms of technique and mentality. She always tried her best to keep at her peak and be ready for every competition. Her chance to dominate regional tournaments was clear if she could maintain her confidence and bring into play her strong points.

Ngân was named to represent Việt Nam at the 31st SEA Games in 2022 in Hà Nội, but unfortunately, she could not compete because her 70kg class did not have enough participants and was cancelled.

Hiding her disappointment, Ngân worked harder to sharpen her skills for the 32nd Games one year later in Cambodia.

This time, she competed in the 65kg class and met almost no difficulty in advancing to the finals.

"The SEA Games final was really an impressive match for me as it was my first international tournament and first gold-medal match. I was really nervous," said Ngân.

Bùi Thị Thảo Ngân (left) celebrates her SEA Games title in May in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Photo dantri.com.vn

After three official rounds and one extra, Ngân was tied 3-3 by Filipino Hergie Tao-wag, but the championship title was awarded to Ngân after a draw.

Ngân burst into tears after the referee's announcement.

"I was lucky with the draw and so happy with the gold medal. It was a very emotional and proud moment when I received the gold and sang the national anthem," Ngân said.

Six months later Ngân was again on the top podium. This time she was the world champion after beating Thai rival Boonmee Kewarin in the final.

"The world final was a really different from the SEA Games. It was tougher and more competitive," said Ngân.

"I had to research my rival to find her strong points while improving my weak points. A 7-1 win was a great result that left my coaches, my family and I over the moon.

"In international tournaments, I represent Việt Nam. Wearing the national flag is both an honour and responsibility, so I have to compete with determination and do my best to bring glory to the country. The world title would be a strong motivation for me later in my career," said Ngân, who will begin a new training cycle at the national team in early 2024 to prepare for new challenges. VNS