Love Station: A Visually Impaired 9X and Her Passion for Chess

At the 2022 ASEAN Para Games in Indonesia, Nguyen Thi Hong won two individual gold medals. Her journey to find the light and conquer the chessboard will be shared on Love Station under the theme "Chess – Achievements and Life's Love."

Appearing on the Love Station stage with a chessboard designed for the visually impaired, Nguyen Thi Hong confidently introduced herself and her passion for chess. She has been playing chess since 2014 and revealed that her favorite piece is the bishop because, although simple, it has its unique value in every move. Familiar with the chessboard she has used for a decade, Hong only took one minute and 22 seconds to set up the pieces without looking: "For me, playing chess is as essential as breathing. I think about chess all the time, even when I sleep."

Recalling her childhood, Hong  said  she was the second child in a family of four siblings. "I knew  from a young age that I was blind due to retinal pigment degeneration, so I was very self-conscious and withdrawn, not daring to play with anyone," she said. Despite her inability to see, Hong loved  to learn and dreamed of going to school like her peers.

At the age of seven, her simple dream came true. However, her first year at the local school was disappointing. After much deliberation, her parents enrolled her  at  Nguyen Dinh Chieu School in Hanoi. As a blind  girl from the countryside, Hong had to work harder than others to overcome her life's challenges.

Before she took up chess, Hong's life was filled with self-doubt. Having moved to the city to attend a boarding school on her own at the age of eight, she quickly learned to be independent due to her family's circumstances. Although It was initially lonely and challenging at first, she later realized it was a blessing. She is grateful for the time she  spent away from home, which helped her become the confident, strong, and independent person she is today.

At the age of ten, a chance encounter with chess marked a turning point in her life. When a group of volunteer  university students  from Tu Son, Bac Ninh, offered a chess course, Hong signed up without high expectations. The most challenging part was memorizing the pieces since she couldn't see their differences. She had to feel and remember each piece's details. It took her two months to get used to it, but she never felt discouraged, only more intrigued.

During a chess competition while attending high school, Hong's skill and strategic thinking  caught the attention of experts . Soon after, she officially joined Hanoi's disabled sports team   and regularly competed in annual sports events. She won between 2 and  4 medals at every competition, with the most impressive being two individual golds, one silver, and three team golds at the 2022 ASEAN Para Games in Indonesia. It was her first time competing abroad.

Hong's impressive achievements result from years of hard work and training. Despite numerous challenges, she never felt discouraged. Instead, her passion and determination grew stronger daily. The deeper she delved into chess, the more she realized it helped her develop patience, meticulousness, and planning skills. Chess has taken her to many places, both at home and abroad. It has given her a sense of pride when hearing the national anthem played on foreign soil. Most importantly, after more than ten years, chess has led her to find her "other half."

Hong couldn't hide her happiness when talking about her teammate and partner: "For me, Dat is a friend who understands, a sparring partner in training, and a solid mental support during major competitions. Now, Dat is my life partner, walking with me through all life's challenges." Chess brought the young couple together and became a  support for each other as they faced  future challenges.

The unexpected appearance of coach Bui Quang Vu at the show revealed many interesting stories about Hong and Dat's relentless efforts. He is not only their technical mentor but also a witness to their growth and the fairy-tale-like love story of this couple.

Despite life's many worries, the young couple strive  to overcome themevery day. As well as being part of the national team, Hong and Dat also run a business to supplement their income. They hope to perform well in their roles and inspire more young people, especially those with disabilities, with their passion for chess. The gift from Love Station will support the meaningful journey of these two determined and talented young athletes.

What is Nguyen Thi Hong's secret to winning medals on the international stage? Find out on Love Station with the theme "Chess – Achievements and Love in Life," airing at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 15, 2024, on VTV1.