Ho Tung Han, a 21-year-old goalkeeper for Balestier Khalsa in Singapore, is making waves in the football world with his dedication both on and off the pitch. Born and raised in Vietnam, Ho Tung Han now faces a completely different football culture in Singapore compared to what he was used to at home. In Vietnam, he and his teammates shared close living arrangements and traveled together as a team. Here in Singapore, however, each player is responsible for managing their own schedule—a shift that has pushed him to become more independent and mature, qualities that many coaches admire in a professional athlete.
Every day in Singapore begins early for Ho Tung Han. His day starts at 6:45 a.m. with personal hygiene, a hearty breakfast, and a cup of coffee to kick off the morning. Soon after, he and several teammates cycle to the subway station, opting for a bus ride when the rain begins to fall. This routine not only saves money compared to using ride-hailing services like Grab but also offers a chance for friendly conversation and team bonding. Upon arriving at the training ground, the squad dedicates around two hours to practice, honing their skills and preparing for competitive matches. After training, the team gathers for lunch at a nearby shopping center, providing them with both nourishment and a moment of relaxation.
In the afternoon, Ho Tung Han devotes time to further enhancing his physical fitness by engaging in yoga or gym workouts. His disciplined approach extends to his diet as well—a crucial aspect for any professional athlete. Initially, when he first arrived in Singapore, he cooked based on his personal preferences. However, observing his teammates, he gradually adopted a more balanced nutritional regimen. Today, a typical meal might include one and a half bowls of rice, two boiled eggs, a small portion of salmon, a piece of beef, a serving of salad, and a small bowl of soup. This careful selection of foods ensures that he receives the right mix of nutrients needed for peak performance on the field while keeping his energy levels stable.
Adapting to life in Singapore has presented its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to communication. In Vietnam, Ho Tung Han was accustomed to easy conversations with his teammates. However, the multicultural environment in Singapore—with players from Japan, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and Singapore itself—means he now faces a variety of English accents and pronunciations that can be hard to follow at times. Acknowledging that his own English still needs improvement, he does not hesitate to ask for clarification when needed. He even keeps a notebook to record new vocabulary and practices with a language-learning app to help him communicate more effectively. This willingness to learn and adapt is evident in every aspect of his life, both on and off the field.
Despite the challenges of being far from home, Ho Tung Han finds comfort in regularly calling his family. Their support, along with the encouraging words from coaches and teammates, has been a steady source of motivation. One piece of advice that continues to resonate with him is the reminder to seize every opportunity and put his heart into his work—a sentiment that drives him to aim for greater heights in his career. His ambition now is to catch the eye of Coach Kim Sang Sik and earn a spot on the Vietnam U22 team for SEA Games 33 later this year.
As he builds his career in Singapore, Ho Tung Han’s journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. His experience not only highlights the cultural and lifestyle differences between Singapore and Vietnam but also serves as an inspiring example for young athletes striving to excel in competitive sports. With every training session, meal, and conversation, he is crafting a future that promises both personal growth and professional success, proving that distance and difference can be overcome with determination and hard work.
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