Trịnh Thị Kim Tuyến has claimed her first gold medal in a continental competition, marking a significant achievement for the Vietnamese athlete. Among the five Vietnamese fighters, she was the sole victor, showcasing her prowess in the kyorugi (combat) event.
Tuyến, ranked fourth in the 67kg weight class, displayed determination and skill in her matches. She began her journey to the gold medal by defeating Khussainova Nuray from Kazakhstan in the initial round. This set the tone for her subsequent encounters, as she went on to face tough competition from South Korea’s Kwak Min Ju, who had previously overcome the top-seeded Sadeq Julyana from Jordan.
Tuyến’s victory over Kwak Min Ju was a hard-fought one, as her South Korean opponent had already proven their mettle. However, Tuyến’s perseverance paid off as she advanced to the final round, where she faced off against Song Jie from China, the third seed. In a thrilling conclusion, Tuyến emerged triumphant, securing the gold medal and solidifying her place among the continent’s top athletes.
This victory held a special significance for Tuyến as it came just two months after she fell short of qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 2024 Asian Taekwondo Championships, which witnessed a record-breaking participation of over 1,000 athletes, coaches, officials, and staff from 45 countries and territories, served as a platform for Tuyến to showcase her resilience and talent.
Vietnam’s overall performance at the championships was impressive, with the team securing two gold medals, one silver, and eleven bronze medals across both poomsae (performance) and kyorugi (combat) events, as reported by the Vietnam News Agency. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and talent of the Vietnamese athletes and their support staff.