Quàng Thị Thu Nghĩa: Symbol of steel will of Vietnam's Pencak Silat village

Not only talented, Thu Nghia also makes a strong impression with her strong character, strong will, always competing with all her might for the country's flag and colors.

19 years old successfully conquered the world championship

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Quang ThpoopThu Nghĩa:It was truly beyond my imagination. At that time, I had just been called up to the national team, still very confused, not daring to think about competing in a major tournament, let alone winning the world championship. I just knew to try my best every day, practice hard, follow the instructions of the teachers. When I stood on the podium to receive the Gold Medal, hearing the Vietnamese National Anthem play, I burst into happiness.

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Quang ThpoopThu Nghĩa: When I first entered that tournament, I felt very inexperienced, because this was the first time I had been to the “big sea”. Everything was new and much more challenging than what I had experienced before. I was not afraid of my opponents, but afraid of myself, afraid that I was not brave enough. But thanks to the encouragement of my teachers and teammates, I regained my spirit and focused on the only goal of competing with all my might for the flag and colors of the Fatherland.

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Quang ThpoopThu Nghĩa:Every tournament is a new challenge, with new opponents, so I always prepare carefully both physically and mentally. Technically, most of the coaches instruct me to attack more because my attack style will be stronger. As for physical strength, I increase the intensity of training, eating, and resting scientifically to maintain the best form. But the most important thing is the spirit, not being subjective even though I have won the championship, because just a little loss of concentration can lose the opportunity.

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Quang ThpoopThu Nghĩa: Of the 4 times I won the world championship, the fourth Gold Medal is the memory that left me with the most emotions. Before the competition, I was being treated for an injury, so the training process was difficult. I had to practice and overcome the injury at the same time, but really that time I was not as confident as the previous 3 times, because I had not had the best preparation. The opponent in the final match was not too strong, but my mentality was not stable.

In the first two rounds, I was behind in points. At that time, my coach and teammates encouraged me a lot, helped me regain my spirit, adjust my tactics and international style of play. In the third round, I gradually regained my form and won. That moment was truly overwhelming, both the coach and the students could not believe that I had done it. What made me able to fight to the end was the motivation to wear the national flag. That day was also the anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army, so I just thought that I had to try my best, had to contribute to bring glory to the country.

With the Gold Medal at the 2024 World Pencak Silat Championship, Quàng Thị Thu Nghĩa was awarded the First Class Labor Medal by the President, Photo: NVCC

From a girl passionate about long jump to a world Pencak Silat star

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Quang ThpoopThu Nghĩa: When participating in the Phu Dong Sports Festival, my school teachers initially chose me to compete in athletics including: 100m run and high jump. After achieving good results at the district level, I was able to compete at the provincial level. Here, I was discovered and selected by teachers at the Son La Provincial Sports Training and Competition Center. I was directed to Pencak Silat. When I heard the teacher say it was a martial art, I was a bit scared, because I had never been exposed to martial arts before, and this was the first time I had heard the name Pencak Silat. But then I thought, I should give it a try. And from there, my journey with Pencak Silat began.

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Quang ThpoopThu Nghĩa:The first time my teacher taught me the techniques and tactics of Pencak Silat, I really didn't understand anything (laughs). In my hometown, almost no one knew much about martial arts, and I had never seen or been exposed to martial arts. At that time, I had no idea what this sport would be like. When my teacher selected and guided me, I kept practicing. Gradually, as I understood more about the techniques, I found this sport very interesting, and the more I practiced, the more I liked it. A year later, I won my first Bronze Medal. That was the first time I felt joy, excitement, and motivation to try harder, to conquer higher achievements.

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Quang ThpoopThu Nghĩa:My greatest strength is the speed and power in my kicks. That is also what makes me most confident every time I step into the ring - and is also the reason why I stick with Pencak Silat until now. To achieve that, I have to go through many exercises with different intensities, from light to heavy. I especially focus on weight training to develop my muscles and increase the strength of my legs. Thanks to that, my kicks are more decisive, powerful and effective in competition.

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Quang ThpoopThu Nghĩa:Actually, I knew that in advance, but when I officially received the information, I still felt disappointed. However, I understood that this was unavoidable and beyond my ability, so I tried to be cheerful.

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Quang ThpoopThu Nghĩa:The biggest motivation that helps me do that is the desire to contribute to the country and bring achievements back to the Fatherland.

I always think that while I am still strong enough, I must fight with all my might. Even if I have to lose 5, 7 or even 10 kilos, I will still try to achieve that goal. The feeling of competing and hearing the national anthem is truly an incomparable happiness.

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Quang ThpoopThu Nghĩa:Before, I had to gain weight to have enough weight to compete in the 75 kg category. But then, when the SEA Games cut the 75 kg category, I had to force myself down to 70 kg. Gaining weight means eating a lot to gain weight, but losing weight is the opposite, having to limit eating and drinking, exercising a lot, so my body is very tired. Sometimes I feel like I have no strength left, but because of the goal of competing and contributing to the Fatherland, I still try to overcome it. I successfully lost weight from 74 kg to about 67 kg. It was really tiring. I can't get used to the feeling of being very healthy, then having to force myself down to a weight class like that. But I think, to participate in the SEA Games, no matter what, I have to try, to have enough weight to participate in this tournament.

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Quang ThpoopThu Nghĩa:I won the Gold Medal SEA Games 31 and SEA Games 32. I always feel proud and moved. Each Gold Medal is the result of days of hard training and times of overcoming the pain of injury or psychological pressure. But perhaps what I cherish most is every time I stand on the podium to receive the medal, see the Vietnamese flag flying and hear the National Anthem playing, I feel that all my efforts are worth it.

The other side of the medals

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Quang ThpoopThu Nghĩa: Actually, there were times when I wanted to stop. Because the injuries were so painful, sometimes I had to stay in the hospital for many days, unable to practice anything. Many times I thought, maybe I should quit and do something to make a living. But then, with a lot of encouragement from my family, coach and teammates, I tried to get up again. When I returned to practice, I did not do heavy exercises, I did exercises that were suitable for me. Just like that, I persevered every day, practicing and recovering at the same time. Many times when I think back, it was that period that helped me forge my courage and perseverance.

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Quang ThpoopThu Nghĩa: Luckily, my boyfriend is also a Pencak Silat athlete, so he understands the difficulties and hardships of this profession. There are times when I am tired, injured or mentally down, he is always by my side, practicing with me, and sharing experiences to overcome. We both aim for the same goal of contributing to the country's sports, so in addition to love, we are also teammates and friends progressing together in our careers.

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Quang ThpoopThu Nghĩa: Actually, I am now a world champion, which sounds like the highest level. But for me, that is not the end. I still want to participate in bigger sports events, such as the World Games. For me, that is the “peak” that I want to aim for.

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Quang ThpoopThu Nghĩa: Every path has its difficulties, especially for girls who choose to pursue martial arts. There will be times of fatigue, times of pain, especially sports injuries are very dangerous, but if you are truly passionate, persevere and believe in yourself. Martial arts not only train us physically, but also help us become stronger in life. Just try your best, and one day you will reap the rewards you deserve.

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Quang ThpoopThu Nghĩa: Currently, I am still focusing on training, to prepare well for the upcoming tournaments. In the distant future, I hope to become a coach, to guide and mentor the next generations. In my personal life, I just hope to have good health, to be able to contribute to sports and take care of my small family in the future. For me, every day I get to wear the national team jersey, to train and compete, that is already a happiness.

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Quàng Thị Thu Nghĩa, born in 1999 in Sơn La, is the world's number 1 female Pencak Silat fighter in the 70-75kg weight class. Coming from the Sơn La Sports Training and Competition Center, she soon revealed her outstanding qualities and was quickly called up to the national team in 2017.

Since then, Thu Nghia has continuously made her mark with impressive achievements: 2 SEA Games Gold Medals, 5 Asian Gold Medals and especially 4 world championships in 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2024.

Choosing Pencak Silat - a martial art that requires strength, flexibility and steel spirit, Thu Nghia accepted the arduous journey of training. Behind each medal are thousands of hours of persistent training, overcoming injuries and personal limitations.