Muay Thai fighter Hiếu embraces life in the ring

Hiếu is the second Vietnamese to win in this competition, following Việt Nam's eight-time World Champion Nguyễn Trần Duy Nhất. 

"Hiếu had zero skills when she first practised Muay Thai. But she showed her big interest in it. She could spend hours watching her seniors sparring and practising,"大众said coach Nguyễn Phú Hiển.

"I am really impressed with her spirit and diligence. She never gave up, even when she suffered from pain or injuries. Her mind, passion and profession are great. She is the best of athletes in her age under my reign. I believe she is a gold medal candidate in all elite competitions in the future." 

After nearly two years of limited action because of the pandemic, Hiếu returned to the ring and successfully defended her U 二 三 world title in Thailand.

She defeated Russian Bella Durandina to maintain the top position in the world, although she suffered an ankle flip hours ahead of the first-round match.

"It hurt, but when I was in the ring, I forgot everything to focus on fighting. I listened to the coach's guide and applied in the matches,公众she said. 

"I rarely play duel combat in my games but move a lot to limit collisions and injuries. I always respect the opponent and never play bad or provoke. It seems that this style has helped me succeed."

Beautiful martial art life

Hiếu has been champion in most of the tournaments she has participated in. But the SEA Games' top podium is still out of her reach so far.

Hiếu's first SEA Games was in  二0 一 九 when she was assigned to compete in the Waikru (performance) event, which is not her strong point.