The mark in the Speed Cup
Before the tournament, not many people knew Ngoc Tuong at the national team level. He has been in this playground in previous years, but only in his youth. 2025 marks the first time this young athlete has participated in events for the Thong Nhat Speed Cup team, and no one expected him to become the focus of the tournament with two convincing victories.
On April 16, Ngoc Tuong entered the final of the 400m event, his forte. With a time of 46 seconds 75, he not only won the Gold Medal but also surpassed experienced opponent Tran Dinh Son - who was once considered the number one in this event in Vietnam.
Although there are opinions that the seniors have not yet fully developed their skills at the present stage, Ngoc Tuong quickly dispelled all doubts with a second victory just one day later, this time in the 200m distance and he continued to overcome Tran Dinh Son.
Twice defeated the veteran senior in the same tournament helped Ngoc Tuong become the focus of communication and the new hope of the country's athletics. Sharing with labor, he said: "I came to the speed trophy to get achievements and hope to be chosen to play in the Asian Championship in May. I am currently on the list but whether or not to play or depends on many factors. My goal is to try my best every day, try to improve my achievement.
Career turning point
Ta Ngoc Tuong's path to athletics also has many interesting features. Born and raised in Phu Tho, he participated in the Phu Dong Sports Festival when he was still in elementary school thanks to his superior physique compared to his friends. However, it was not until he was 13-14 that he officially pursued athletics.
In the early days, he was oriented towards average distances such as 800m and 1,500m, but Tuong himself realized that he was more suitable for high-speed events: "I am the type of person who likes to exert myself early, so I cannot compete at average distances".
The turning point came when he was 17 years old, when the coaches decided to change direction for him to compete in shorter distances of 200m and 400m. This decision quickly took effect. At the National Youth Athletics Championship in Kon Tum in 2022, Ngoc Tuong won the Bronze Medal in the 400m event - the first medal of his career, opening a series of impressive achievements later.
In 2024, he attracted attention when he broke the national youth record with a time of 46 seconds 54 in the 400m event. And at the First Tong Do Cup 2025, Ngoc Tuong continued to show brilliant form with two Gold Medals, affirming a strong progress.
Currently, Ngoc Tuong is being trained and working directly with Bulgarian expert Vladimir Simeonov - who has been attached to the Vietnamese 400m running team for nearly a decade. The guidance of an experienced coach along with the available qualities make experts believe that this young man can go further in the future.
Ngoc Tuong's immediate goal is to surpass individual achievements and further break the national record for the men's 400m event - a record currently held by Quach Cong Lich with a time of 45 seconds 99 set in 2015. Although there is still a long way to go, with the current progress, Ngoc Tuong is assessed to be able to break the record of his senior in the future.
Ta Ngoc Tuong is gradually affirming her name with her own efforts and will to rise tirelessly. In a sports culture that is always eager for the next generation, the appearance of factors like Ngoc Tuong not only brings hope but also motivates Vietnam's athletics to aim for greater goals in the future.
