Rhythms of Muay

In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026, we visited the Muay Thai team at the provincial Sports Training and Competition Center (Facility No. 2) in Tuyen Quang. The center has trained and coached many athletes who have achieved outstanding results in recent years. Greeting us were resounding shouts and the sharp thuds of punches echoing from the ring. The athletes continued their rigorous training under the guidance of coach Luc Quoc Tue. All are striving toward major goals in 2026, including national tournaments and, in particular, the National Sports Games.

Despite the year drawing to a close, the training atmosphere at the provincial Muay Thai team remains intense and energetic.

Young athletes train with a burning desire for victory in 2026, setting their sights on several important targets.

Though temperatures outside hover at 15 degrees Celsius, the training hall stays heated by the high intensity of workouts.

Coach Luc Quoc Tue said the athletes are maintaining a demanding training schedule as a major and challenging tournament awaits immediately after Tet.

While the festive scent of Tet fills the air outside, inside the gym there is only the distinct smell of boxing gloves and training mats.

High-intensity sparring sessions that simulate real competition are sustained to help athletes reach peak condition.

Though Tet is just around the corner, the “Muay rhythms” continue to unfold on the training mat.

Sixteen-year-old Linh Thi Dan, a young and promising Dao ethnic athlete, is determined to claim the first medal of her competitive career.

Setting aside softness and femininity, these “steel roses” train relentlessly on the Muay mat, aspiring to conquer major tournaments, including the 2026 National Sports Games.

After grueling hours of practice, moments of camaraderie follow, with all members hoping to contribute to Tuyen Quang’s sporting achievements in 2026.

During a short break, we caught a glimpse of homesickness in their eyes after months away from their families.

Athlete Phan Van Tai won a bronze medal at the 2025 Asian Muay Championship and has been called up to the national team.

With eight gold medals, five silver medals and 13 bronze medals at national tournaments, along with one bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Championship, Muay Thai is emerging as a highly promising discipline in Tuyen Quang’s high-performance sports sector.

PV