Judoka Tình plans to win a career high at the Paris Olympics

Hoàng Thị Tình (left) practises for the Olympics in Paris. It will be her first time at the games. Photo toquoc.vn

HÀ NỘI Việt Nam’s sole judo representative, Hoàng Thị Tình, is in final training preparations to make her debut at the Olympic Games later this month in Paris.

Tình received her official spot in July after all qualification rounds were over, and she was one of the world’s 30 leading competitors in the women’s 48kg category.

National coach Nguyễn Duy Khánh said since the beginning of 2024, Tình has taken part in eight major tournaments, and her gold medal at the Lima Panamerican Open 2024 in late June was the final key to unlocking her way to Paris.

Along with competitive matches, Tình also took part in intensive training courses to improve her world ranking and physical and technical skills, ready for the world’s largest competition which is scheduled from July 26-August 11.

“Tình own fighting style is based on her strength and great grappling technique, but her defence ability still matters,” said Khánh.

Hoàng Thị Tình wrestles a teammate during their daily practice. Tình is the only Vietnamese judoka in Paris. — Photo toquoc.vn

“We have built a specific programme to bring into play her strong points, while boosting her weaknesses. There is not much time now until the Olympics , so both athletes and coaches must work hard to ensure Tình’s peak at the Paris.”

At the same time, Khanh and his fighters are also looking for tactics that will help them win.

“Since my preparation for an Olympic spot till now, I have always tried hard in both training and competing. I want to show my best version to earn the highest results in every competition,” Tình said.

“Practising for the Olympics is much different from other events. I have to work with heavier and tougher volume of exercises. In Paris, I will face not only hard rivals but also a different climate, time zone and competition conditions.

“Regardless of the many challenges, I want to overcome my limits and take back my highest ever result.”

Hoàng Thị Tình (left) and coach Nguyễn Duy Khanh build their plan for Paris. — Photo toquoc.vn

The Việt Nam Judo Federation (VJF) has hung big bonuses out for any medals if Tình can secure one. It is VNĐ500 million (US$19,600) for gold, VNĐ300 million and VNĐ200 million for silver and bronze, respectively.

VJF President Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng said it was only the initial bonus, which could be increased based on the martial artist’s performance at the Games.

The judo team will leave for Paris on July 19.

At the Games, the mats will be packed with action as judokas square off from July 27 to August 3 at the Champ de Mars Arena, which is just steps away from the Eiffel Tower. VNS