Boxing Athlete Ngo Tuan Anh: From a journey of sweat to medals

Know what you want

That is my clear feeling about the young man Ngo Tuan Anh through our conversations. Tuan Anh knew what he wanted since he was just over 10 years old, after going to a friend's house to play and accidentally watching a match.Boxingon tv

The backhand is how Tuan Anh turns his personal characteristics into an advantage. Photo: NVCC

His father died early, his mother went abroad, Tuan Anh lived with his grandmother since he was 8 years old. A childhood lacking in affection and having to be independent early made Tuan Anh brave and mature beyond his age. That bravery is easily seen in the determination of a 13-year-old boy to go to Vinh to take the entrance exam for the provincial sports training center. Highly appreciated by teachers for his qualities, Tuan Anh became a student of the center and since then, Tuan Anh has persistently pursued his dream: to become a professional boxer.

The journey to that dream was not easy. Like any other sport, it was filled with moments of weakness, extreme pain, and the saltiness of blood, sweat, and tears.

Recalling his most challenging period, Tuan Anh shared: “It was around my second year at the center. To lose weight to prepare for the first tournament, in addition to increasing the intensity of training, I also had to wear a raincoat and jacket and run every day. My whole body was exhausted, every movement was painful. It hurt so much that the idea of ​​giving up my sports dream briefly crossed my mind.”

Ngo Tuan Anh won the gold medal in 2019. Photo: NVCC

But Tuan Anh did not give up. The encouragement of the teachers at the center and his strong love for boxing pulled Tuan Anh up every day and continued his journey of hard training. In addition to the time spent practicing with instructors and friends, whenever he had free time, Tuan Anh practiced more on his own. Besides practicing physical and skill training exercises, Tuan Anh also enjoyed making his own strategies for his matches. That diligence and perseverance brought the young athlete with potential and courage many proud achievements.

Victory of hands and brains

The greatest moment for a boxer is when his winning arm is raised, after the referee's announcement. "That feeling is amazing. It is the victory declaration of a pair of strong arms and a calm, clear head" - Tuan Anh confided.

In boxing, from the 6 basic punching techniques of 2 straight, 2 round, 2 scoop, athletes will customize and combine with shaking and dodging techniques to create their own tactics and fighting style. To flexibly use these skills, athletes must master the techniques, carefully observe their opponents and understand themselves.

Calmness helps Ngo Tuan Anh stay alert in the ring. Photo: NVCC

One of the moves that made Tuan Anh famous was the backhand. This advantage was based on Tuan Anh's left-handedness. Accordingly, instead of standing directly in front of his opponent, with his arm angle parallel to his opponent, Tuan Anh stood facing the opponent. This "abnormality" made many opponents confused. In addition, Tuan Anh's backhand speed was fast and decisive, which also gave Tuan Anh certain advantages.

“Psychology is also a decisive factor in a boxer’s performance and this is also an advantage for me. I always try to stay confident, calm and alert in my matches, regardless of the surrounding audience’s shouting, regardless of who my opponent is. Only then can I control the match, my mind can analyze my opponent, and make wise decisions. Many athletes have the qualities but do not achieve results simply because their mentality is not stable, they are shaken by their opponents and the audience” - Tuan Anh shared. The secret to this calmness and alertness is regular practice and competition.

Boxer Ngo Tuan Anh. Photo: NVCC

Sharing his joys and sorrows in his career, Tuan Anh still remembers the feeling of shame and regret when he had to return empty-handed in the 2018 season. Tuan Anh frankly acknowledged that this failure was the inevitable result of poor preparation and training. It was this objective and strict self-reflection that contributed to Tuan Anh's later achievements. And this will be the foundation for Tuan Anh to gradually conquer his Olympic dream and become a boxing coach.

Achievements of boxer Ngo Tuan Anh:

2016: Bronze medal in national youth boxing tournament.

2017: Silver medal at national youth boxing tournament.

2019: Gold medal at national youth boxing tournament.

2020: Silver Medal at National Boxing Championship.

2021: Silver Medal at National Boxing Championship.