VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese boxers are ready to fight in the Asian Games (ASIAD) in Indonesia today.

Nguyen Thi Tam trains for the Asian Games in Indonesia. — VNS Photo Luong Thu Huong

The team includes three male boxers, namely Nguyen Van Chung, Tran Duc Tho, Tran Van Thao, and three females Luu Thi Duyen, Nguyen Thi Tam and Vuong Thi Vy.

Among them, Thao and Tam are Vietnam’s golden hopes. Thao won the WBC Asia Super Flyweight title last November, while Tam recently made Vietnamese history as the first Vietnamese female boxer to win an Asian title.

During Thao’s career, he has won all 10 of his fights, with seven coming from knock-outs in the men’s 52kg category.

“I and my team have had intensive training in Thailand and now we are ready to fight in Indonesia. For me, every rival is strong so I will try to beat each rival to reach the final,” Thao added.

Vietnamese boxers took part in the ASIAD for the first time in 1990. At the ASIAD 2014 in South Korea, Vietnamese boxers only brought home bronze medals thanks to female boxers Le Thi Bang in the under 50kg and Luu Thi Duyen in 60kg category.

“I often train and play with all my heart. I only want to touch the ASIAD gold medal. I will try my best for my country and Vietnam’s boxing,” said Thao.

Meanwhile, Asian champion Tam said she will also make every effort to win.

“I am very comfortable now. My coaches, especially Nguyen Nhu Cuong, created a plan for me to train and rest reasonably to ensure I’m in the best physical condition to compete in Indonesia,” said Tam.

“We have talented boxers who will compete to bring glory to the nation. However, the Viet Nam Boxing Federation (VBF) hasn’t set any targets to avoid causing pressure for them. But I believe the ASIAD this year is a great chance for them to prove their position in the region,” said Tran Minh Tien, chairman of VBF.

Before heading to Indonesia, the VBF also announced that every ASIAD gold medal winner will receive VND100 million (US$4,350), while silver and bronze medal winners will get VND60 million ($2,600) and VND40 million ($1,700), respectively.

Besides Tam and Thao, both Duyen and Vy have experience in international events and won silvers at the Asian championship last year, while Chung and Tho are elite boxers of HCM City. 

Source: VNS