Triumph of true sportsmanship

VHO - Bodybuilder Pham Van Mach has just made a name for himself in bodybuilding in particular and Vietnamese sports in general when he won the world championship in the men's 55 kg category at the 2025 World Bodybuilding Championships in Indonesia. The bodybuilder from An Giang surprised everyone as he is 49 years old this year and this is also the seventh world championship in his career.

Pham Van Mach's world championship achievement at the age of 49 has been spreading good values ​​to young people. Photo: PHAM VAN

Pham Van Mach overcame many strong opponents, especially two much younger candidates from India, Muru Ramamurthy and Shiv Choram Sundi, to win the gold medal. This is a very special world championship title in the career of the athlete from An Giang as this year he turns 49 years old.

This is also the seventh time Pham Van Mach has won the world bodybuilding championship in the 55 kg category, after 2001, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2017 and 2023. Pham Van Mach's achievements not only bring glory to him personally, but also make an important contribution to raising the position of Vietnamese bodybuilding in the international arena.

Not only bodybuilding, Pham Van Mach is also one of the most successful athletes in Vietnamese sports . The athlete born in 1976 has won over 40 medals of all kinds, including 7 Southeast Asian and SEA Games gold medals, 8 Asian gold medals and 7 world gold medals. Pham Van Mach is the first Vietnamese male athlete to win the world individual championship title when he was crowned in 2001.

Pham Van Mach's 7 world championships in 24 years are very difficult records to break, not only in bodybuilding but also in the country's sports. Not only does he have a dream collection, the 49-year-old athlete is also a shining example for the younger generation in terms of passion, dedication to the profession, and constant training and effort even though he is almost 50 years old.

For athletes, maintaining competitive form over a long period of time is not easy, and it is even more difficult when competing in continental or world competitions. Especially with a sport like bodybuilding, it requires athletes to have good health and physical condition, a scientific training, living, eating and resting regime, along with great effort and perseverance.

For a 49-year-old athlete like Pham Van Mach, the above requirements are mandatory, and in order to maintain the best body and condition, he must adhere to them even more strictly. “The opponents in the 55 kg category are very even and strong, so winning the championship is the result of a high-intensity preparation process of more than 5 months. At this age, I have to be more strict with myself so as not to be inferior to young athletes,” the athlete from An Giang shared.

Pham Van Mach first wore the Vietnamese bodybuilding team jersey in 1998. He is one of the "first generation" athletes of the national team at the same time as "legends" Ly Duc, Cong Phu and Giap Chi Dung. While his colleagues have not competed at the top level for a long time, Pham Van Mach is still diligently pursuing his career. At the age of 49, when many people have retired, slowed down or only take on the role of coach, this bodybuilder is still diligently working on the training floor every day. Heavy exercise volume, strict nutrition, strict self-discipline - all require a strong spirit and unlimited passion.

Pham Van Mach once shared that the fact that he continues to compete despite being no longer young is not an achievement, but a love for sports and a desire to prove that with passion and perseverance, people can conquer their own limits. It is this mindset that has helped the athlete nicknamed “the ant” overcome everything, reaching the top of the world once again.

Young people today have many opportunities to access sports, but many people easily give up when facing difficulties. The story of the 49-year-old world champion becomes a valuable lesson, success does not come from talent, but from long-term effort, perseverance and the spirit of not accepting limits.

It is a reminder that perseverance always triumphs over challenges, that every young person, whether in sports or in any field, can reach the top if they know how to nurture their passion and respect the journey of daily efforts. And Pham Van Mach's miracle is not only an individual victory, but also a victory of true sportsmanship - something that will forever last and light the way for those who come after.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/chien-thang-cua-tinh-than-the-thao-dich-thuc-181917.html