When the national anthem of Viet Nam sounded at the awards ceremony for the 7^th World Vovinam Championships 2023 in November in Ho Chi Minh City, Bui Xuan Nhat was filled with pride and joy as his efforts had paid off.

Bui Xuan Nhat (back row, second from left) on the podium at the 7th World Vovinam Championships 2023

Nhat is now an athlete of the Vovinam team of Quang Nam Province, and is also a student of the Faculty of Physical Education of the University of Education - the University of Da Nang.

The young athlete won gold medal at the 7^th World Vovinam Championships 2023 in the 68 kg weight category (combat), thereby contributing to the best overall result of the Vietnamese delegation. This is the first time he has competed in the international playground and brought home his first gold medal at the world championship.

With the competition of more than 650 athletes from 35 countries and territories worldwide, the World Vovinam Championships is the largest-scale sporting event for Vovinam (Vietnamese traditional martial arts).

Even though a month has passed, when recalling the moment of standing on the highest podium of glory, Nhat still couldn't help but feel emotional.

He shared that he was indescribably excited at each melody of the Vietnamese National Anthem. That pride is not only for himself but also for Vietnamese martial arts, and for the flag and for the people of Viet Nam who have always stood by him.

Showing his special talent for sports since his childhood, after 9^th grade, Nhat was invited by the coaches to join the province's Vovinam team.

Initially, Nhat came to this kind of sports because of curiosity, special love and the enjoyment of studying away from home, and the provincial allowances for professional athletes.

But after a period of time with Vietnamese martial arts, those initial thoughts gave way to the teenager's passion and desire to conquer high-achievement sports.

The gold medal at the world championship is not only the pride of athlete Bui Xuan Nhat, but also the pride of his family, teachers and friends.

Before reaching the gold medal at the world championship, he had gained many high achievements at national tournaments. To achieve that achievement, Nhat practiced seriously and persistently, but was also discouraged and gave up many times.

“After school times, instead of having fun and resting like my friends, I have to spend time practicing Vovinam. I only go home once a week, so I often miss home very much. However, pursuing this path has facilitated me to go to many places and meet many people, so I am more mature and confident than before" Nhat said.

"Seeing my family proud of me, I always tell myself to try harder" he added.

Looking back on the journey, Nhat is always proud that he did not give up in the face of difficulties and is secretly grateful for the care, encouragement, and always standing side by side from family and friends.

He hoped that young people always did their utmost to pursue their passion for sports. “The worthy results may come late but will come to those who always try their best” he affirmed.

Reporting by THU DUYEN - Translating by M.DUNG