Brian Jeffrey
After a year marked by successes and obstacles, Do Thi Anh Nguyet, Vietnam’s leading female archer, sees each experience as an opportunity for growth in her career.
Born in 2001 in Lac Hong, Van Lam, Hung Yen, Anh Nguyet initially embarked on her athletic career in basketball.
In July 2016, she joined the Hanoi women’s basketball team but later shifted to a sport that better matched her physique, exploring options like archery, shooting, and fencing before settling on archery.
This shift from a dynamic team sport to one that demands high levels of focus and precision was challenging. Nevertheless, Anh Nguyet quickly showcased her skills.
By 2019, she had claimed a gold medal at the SEA Games and a bronze at the Asian Championships. In 2021, she secured her place at the Tokyo Olympics, and for 2024, she has qualified again for the Paris Olympics.
As Vietnam’s top recurve archer, Anh Nguyet has reached an impressive ranking of 17th globally.
In addition to her sporting success, she has gained attention for her relationship with badminton player Le Duc Phat, who gained fame for carrying Vietnam’s flag at the Paris 2024 Olympic opening ceremony.
With the Lunar New Year 2025 approaching, Anh Nguyet remains dedicated to training with the national archery team.
While the team will take a break for the holiday, they will soon begin a stringent selection process to finalize their roster by mid-March.
Despite her packed schedule, she values the limited time she gets to spend with family.
“My family is my greatest source of inspiration. They support me during tough times. I’m looking forward to being home for Tet and I’ve prepared a gift for my mother to make her smile,” she expressed with joy.
Reflecting on the past year, she noted, “Every win and loss has provided me with lessons to apply in the future.”
“In my younger years, I felt little pressure. But as I achieved more, the expectations grew. I constantly strive to maintain and exceed my previous successes.”
Archery demands both physical and mental strength, and Anh Nguyet has adopted personal strategies to keep herself balanced and enhance her concentration.
“Life has its ups and downs. I ensure to stay positive during training and focus on my goals,” she shared.
To boost her mental toughness, she practices meditation, listens to music, and enjoys reading.
“I love reading lengthy novels as they help cultivate my patience,” she added.
The Vietnamese national archery team has a bustling year ahead, with key international competitions lined up in April, May, and September. Their main objective is the 33rd SEA Games, scheduled for December 2025 in Thailand.
