
On July 29, Vietnamese boxer Ha Thi Linh faced a formidable opponent in the top-seeded Yang Wenlu from China in the round of 16 of the 60 kg weight class in women’s boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Despite the daunting challenge of going up against the reigning ASIAD champion and former world champion, Ha Thi Linh entered the ring with confidence. The 31-year-old fighter from Lao Cai boldly opted for an aggressive “toe-to-toe” strategy from the outset, hoping to surprise her opponent. Notably, Yang Wenlu had previously defeated Ha Thi Linh in the round of 16 at the 2022 ASIAD.
In the first round, Ha Thi Linh held her ground reasonably well, with all five judges awarding her 9 points, compared to the perfect 10 points scored by Yang Wenlu. In the second round, Linh tried to change the course of the fight by increasing her offensive efforts. However, Yang Wenlu’s superior skill and experience were evident as she adeptly dodged and countered Linh’s attacks. Once again, the judges favored Yang Wenlu with perfect scores, while Ha Thi Linh received another set of 9 points.

Entering the third and final round, Ha Thi Linh left nothing on the table, pouring all her energy into a final attempt to turn the match in her favor. Her valiant effort was acknowledged by one judge, who awarded her 10 points, but the remaining four judges gave the perfect score to Yang Wenlu. As a result, Ha Thi Linh lost the match with a 0-5 scoreline, ending her Olympic journey.
Despite the defeat, Ha Thi Linh’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics was remarkable, especially as she became the first Vietnamese female boxer to win a match at the Olympic Games, having previously defeated Feofaaki Epenisa of Tonga in the opening round. This achievement is a significant milestone for Ha Thi Linh and an inspiring moment for Vietnamese boxing, demonstrating the potential for future success in the sport. As a mother of two, Ha Thi Linh’s journey at the Olympics is not only a personal accomplishment but also serves as motivation for other athletes in Vietnam to strive for excellence on the international stage.
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