Judo

Hoàng Thị Tình (right) fights against Priscilla Morand of Mauritius in the final of the Lima Panamerican Open in Peru in June. Tình wins a gold and qualifies for the Paris Olympics. Photo of Peru Judo Federation

Thanh Hà

In a large dojo at the National Sports Training Centre, judoka Hoàng Thị Tình is sweating with throwing and grappling techniques.

Tình is in the final preparation for the Paris Olympics where she will join thousands of world elite athletes competing for prestigious titles.

"Now, my Olympic ticket is real. It is not a dream but a reality. I will head to Paris for the competition," said Tình.

There are only two weeks to go before the most memorable experience in her career begins.

Smiling fighter

Tình, 30, is a native of Nghi Sơn District, Thanh Hóa Province. When she was 15 years old, she joined a judo class, none of her coaches could believe that she would be a future Olympian.

However, tiny Tình gradually changed their mind. After one year practising, she became a member of the national junior team before joining the senior team five years later.

As a fresh face, Tình could not find an official place to compete in the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines. But recognising her potential, coaches switched her to the kurash team.

Having several months practising the traditional Uzbek wrestling, which is popular in Central Asia and shares similarities in terms of techniques and principles with judo, Tình proved her talent with a gold medal in the women's 48kg class.

Hoàng Thị Tình (above) seen competing in the 31st SEA Games where she won the first regional judo title in the women's 48kg class. VNS Photo Quang Quyết

In the 2021 Games, she dominated in the same weight category in judo on home turf, and successfully defended her title at the 32nd Games last May in Cambodia.

In her competition, the fighter not only impressed spectators with her strong and effective style but also won their hearts due to her positive attitude and beautiful smile.

"In addition to good technique, she is an optimistic person, never losing her smile in any situation, even in the most stressful matches. She always keeps herself in a comfortable and confident mood," said Nguyễn Hữu An, general secretary of the Việt Nam Judo Federation.

"This is probably her most impressive characteristic, as her smile always relieves us of fatigue during competing."

After the Cambodia Games, Tình was honoured to receive the Labour Order, Third Class, by the President for her contribution to national sports.

"I have never thought of having such an honour. It is one of the most meaningful awards in my career," said Tình.

Olympic destiny

Tình was not the one who got strong support for the Paris Olympics.

Initially, it was No 1 Nguyễn Thị Thanh Thủy, who represented Việt Nam judo at the Tokyo Games in 2020, that was going to take the Olympic berth. However, an injury sidelined Thủy and Tình came in as her substitute.

In 2023, along with two other teammates, Tình competed in many tournaments to collect points for her world ranking. And it was with a gold medal at the Lima Panamerican Open in Peru last month that she ensured a place in the Asian top 10 and officially qualified for Paris.

Hoàng Thị Tình (right) is the third Vietnamese judoka earning an Olympic spot in history. VNS Photo

She will be the third judoka of Việt Nam at an Olympics, following Văn Ngọc Tú in 2012 London and 2016 Rio, and Thủy in 2020 Tokyo.

“I was thrilled and excited at getting an official Olympic spot in Peru. I competed through many tournaments to get the required points," said Tình.

"I practised hard and suffered high pressure on the way. Many athletes try their best to secure an Olympic spot. Just one mistake and all my effort could be entirely ruined.

"Beating a rival to win gold in Peru made my journey end successfully. I achieved the dream Olympic spot, which was a truly indescribable feeling at that time. This is a great milestone in my life.

Hoàng Thị Tình (2nd, left) poses with her golds and other athletes at the Lima Panamerican Open in Peru in June. Photo of Peru Judo Federation

"The first step is done. Now my coaches and I are preparing our best for this huge competition. My goal is to surpass myself and get the best results."

Coach Nguyễn Duy Khanh said that Tình was in intensive training following a special plan. She would take care to not only reach her peak, but also to stay in good mental condition at the Olympics.

In Paris, the mats will be packed with action as judokas square off from July 27 to August 3, mere steps away from the Eiffel Tower, inside the Champ de Mars Arena. VNS