Overcoming the challenge posed by Thailand, the Vietnamese fighter returns to the top of the region.

Despite her anxieties about changing weight classes and having to compete in Thailand – a country with a strong taekwondo tradition – Bac Thi Khiem still excelled, overcoming all obstacles to deservedly win the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games.

In the Southeast Asian taekwondo landscape, Thailand has always been considered the "big brother" with a strong contingent of athletes and a very high level of expertise. Competing in the 33rd SEA Games on Thai soil was considered a huge psychological challenge for any martial artist. Vietnamese athlete Bac Thi Khiem felt the same way, but the difficulty was even greater when she entered the tournament in a different weight category.

After winning the final, the SEA Games champion frankly admitted: "This tournament had a slight change in weight categories, so I found it more difficult than in previous years. Moreover, competing in Thailand, I couldn't know in advance who the host country's opponent would be or how they would compete. That made me really worried."

In the semi-finals of the women's under 73 kg sparring event, Bac Thi Khiem won a thrilling 2-0 victory (10/9, 6/5) against the home fighter from Thailand.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

Beyond professional pressure, adapting to unfamiliar living conditions and food in a foreign country also requires the female martial artist from Son La to double her efforts to maintain optimal physical condition.

A turning point in the semi-finals.

Bac Thi Khiem's ​​journey to reclaim the gold medal was essentially decided in the semi-final match – where the Vietnamese fighter faced the host nation's hope. This was considered by experts to be an "early final" in the women's under 73 kg weight class.

Recalling that nail-biting moment, Bac Thi Khiem said: "The semi-final match against the Thai fighter was the most stressful one for me. This was the first time I had faced this opponent; I had no idea what her fighting style or movements were like. Because Thailand is very strong in taekwondo, I felt quite pressured at that time."

Bac Thi Khiem currently holds 3 SEA Games gold medals.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

However, it was in those difficult circumstances that the resilience of the girl from Son La was demonstrated. With intense focus and adherence to the tactics, Khiem brilliantly "neutralized" the Thai fighter. This victory not only propelled her into the final but also helped her regain her confidence before the final match.

With the biggest "mountain" conquered, the final match against Delo (Philippines) became much easier for the Vietnamese representative. "I've competed against and gained experience with the Philippines many times, so I understand their playing style quite well. Although they've improved physically, I'm completely confident I can win," Khiem affirmed.

Bac Thi Khiem celebrates after winning the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

The reality on the court proved it. With a confident mindset, Bac Thi Khiem took the initiative to attack aggressively, securing a convincing 2-0 victory to claim the top spot at the SEA Games for the third time, after a disappointing miss at the previous Games (in 2023 in Cambodia).

Commenting on his student's performance, head coach Vu Anh Tuan said: "Khiem is from the Thai ethnic group in Son La, so honestly, he is very hardworking and constantly strives for improvement. During training and matches, he followed the coaching staff's instructions very well. This achievement is a well-deserved reward for Khiem's ​​efforts."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vuot-thu-thach-mang-ten-thai-lan-vo-si-viet-nam-tro-lai-dinh-cao-khu-vuc-185251212194624793.htm