2 'rivals' together won gold medals at the National Phu Dong Sports Festival

(Baonghean.vn) -Trang and Hong have been "rivals" for many years in provincial tournaments, but at this National Phu Dong Sports Festival, the two athletes together won the first gold medal in the women's doubles table tennis event for the Nghe An sports delegation.

Phan Thi Trang was the champion of the Phu Dong Health Association of Nghe An province in 2015 and has many years of experience with many gold and silver medals in provincial, regional and district tournaments. Talking about her daughter's passion for table tennis, Ms. Dinh Thi Nhi (Nghia Khanh commune, Nghia Dan district) shared: When Trang was little, her uncle Trang's house had a cement table tennis table so she went there every afternoon to practice. At first, everyone thought Trang practiced for fun, but unexpectedly, the more she practiced, the more passionate she became and she was selected to compete.

Hong and Trang at the National Phu Dong Sports Festival

The first person to discover Trang's talent was her uncle. He himself, not a professional athlete, is passionate about sports and is willing to spend time and effort to train his grandchildren and children in the family. In every match Trang participated in later, there was no match that her uncle did not come to cheer for. If Trang lost, her uncle never showed disappointment but always encouraged her. Thanks to that enthusiastic encouragement, Trang improved day by day, there was almost no tournament that Trang did not win a medal. Table tennis was also the motivation for Trang to strive to study, with many consecutive years of being an advanced student.

Athlete Nguyen Thi Anh Hong (Dien Thai - Dien Chau) also started her passion for table tennis when her father built her a table tennis table made of cement. Up to now, after more than 6 years, the family has replaced three other table tennis tables, but Hong said she still remembers the old table the most: a cement table is definitely not as pleasant to play as a wooden table because the bounce is not even, there is no spin, and it is not possible to move all the techniques, but this is the table that her father put all his heart and hope into.

Hong and her 12th grade friends at Dien Chau 3 High School

There is one special thing, Trang and Hong used to be "rivals" of each other for many years in provincial tournaments and if compared, Hong's achievements were somewhat superior. However, at the Phu Dong Sports Festival in Nghe An province in 2015, Hong lost in the final match of the women's singles. After that match, both of them also learned that they were selected for the team to participate in the National Phu Dong Sports Festival. However, because of the lack of time, Hong was busy studying for the National High School Exam, so before competing in Thanh Hoa, both of them only had one month to practice in Vinh City. During that time, both of them had to get used to each other's playing style, had to know how to overcome their limitations, and had to find their strengths to promote their strengths.

Talking about Trang and Hong, coach Ha Minh Tuan also shared that: Trang has a strong fighting style, with strength on her right hand. Hong is skillful and good on both sides, so it is not difficult to combine. It is just a pity that the girls have little practice time, while their opponents at the Phu Dong Sports Festival are very strong.

Nghe An table tennis team at the 9th National Phu Dong Sports Festival

When they first arrived in Thanh Hoa, because they looked "weaker" compared to other teams, Trang and Hong were not noticed. However, because of that, both of them entered the tournament with a relaxed mentality, played their best and easily passed the qualifying round. Entering the semi-finals, against opponent Ninh Thuan, at first both of them were quite hesitant because they had lost in singles. However, with enthusiastic cheers, both of them successfully turned the tables. The victory like "splitting bamboo" gave Hong and Trang more motivation to enter the final round. And then, not letting the coaching staff down, both of them created a miracle for the home team. Recalling this feeling, coach Ha Minh Tuan added: When I was invited to lead the table tennis team, I was very worried because this is a sport that we have interrupted for more than 9 years. Fortunately, I met athletes who were truly talented, enthusiastic and had an admirable competitive spirit.

After this success, Trang and Hong broke up again. Next school year, Trang will enter grade 11 at Tay Hieu High School. As for Hong, with 24 points in the university entrance exam, she is hoping to enter the University of Medicine to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor.

My Ha