Behind the cheers of the crowd and the gleam of the gold medal, Alfa, who had just won a Muay Thai competition, felt something different: emptiness. He said honestly, “The joy was only brief. After that, it was empty again.” For some people, victory is the peak, but for him, victory is only a stopover before the next goal.
The journey to the ring was not easy. One of the toughest challenges came before the match even began: weight cutting. From 53 kilograms, he had to drop down to the 48-kilogram class in a short period of time. He recounted his journey, “Losing four kilos was really tough. Fasting, dieting, rarely drinking water, but still having to train.”
Injuries were also a problem. He still has a broken bone with metal implants in his arm. Bruises, sprained ankles, and pain during sparring are common occurrences for him. However, with discipline and proper recovery, he can stand tall on match day.
Unlike many people who love Muay Thai for its intensity and violent nature, he fell in love with its philosophy and culture. He explained, “Muay Thai isn’t just about fighting. There’s spirituality and tradition in it. From respecting the coach, called Kru, to the Wai Kru dance before training or a match. All of that makes me feel connected, not just physically, but also spiritually.”
His busy schedule as a student does not deter him from continuing training. He noted, “I always finish my assignments first, then practise. If I can’t go to the training ground, I practise on my own in my boarding house. One to two hours every day, no excuses.”
This victory elicited mixed reactions from those closest to him. His family, who were still concerned about his injury, first opposed it. However, seeing the consistency and discipline he showed, his father finally gave his approval. He recalled, “The green light was given, but with one condition I had to take the risk myself.”
Meanwhile, his college friends congratulated him enthusiastically. However, the biggest motivation came from his younger brother, who is a national badminton athlete. He admitted, “I don’t want to be just an ordinary student. I want to reach the national and even international level, like my younger brother.”
This victory is not the end. The next targets are already waiting: the Provincial Championship in October and the National Championship in December. All of this is not just about medals but about the journey. He emphasized, “The important thing is to believe in the process, don’t give up, and listen to the people who want to help you,” he said.
For other students who want to pursue their dreams in any field, he gives a simple and meaningful message. He shared, “Opportunities always come. Don’t waste them. Whether you fail or succeed, there’s always something we can learn from the experience.” (FL)