Interviewer: Coming back from the recent competition as the champion, would you like to share with us your feelings and some noteworthy moments throughout the event?

Hong Nhung: This year, since the entire event was shifted to online platforms, the two blackouts prior to the competition somewhat affected my mental readiness. Nevertheless, I have put in all my efforts, and I’m exultant to have acquired such outstanding achievements. Moreover, the fact that it was my first experience in a knock-out championship also added on to my great joy.

Interviewer: Having achieved such impressive accomplishments, you must have devoted a lot of time to this sport. From which do you draw the avid passion for chess, and the motivation to keep you going so resiliently?

Hong Nhung: When I was only five, during family reunions or trips, I usually played chess with my uncles, and showed great  interest in this sport. Hence, my parents signed me up for chess clubs for additional practice. From the first to third year in primary school, I was a member of “Quan Doi '' Chess club; however, I joined “Ha Noi” chess club during my fourth year of primary school, and have been an active member since then.

Hong Nhung (third person from the left) won the first prize in the 2019 National Junior Chess Championship. 

Interviewer: Apart from this occasion, you must have secured many other prizes throughout your 10 years of being a chess competitor. Can you tell us more about such events, as well as some memorable experiences from your recent contests both nationally and internationally?

Hong Nhung: In 2016, I participated in the slow chess category of the “International Junior Chess Championship” held in Georgia. However, the outcome didn’t meet my expectations, so it was really a memorable experience during my Primary school days. On another occasion, when my team won the 2018 National Chess Championship against all odds (girls team category), I was appreciative of all our commendable efforts. Such a position was absolutely in our wildest dreams. The feeling of triumph savoured with teammates is so unique and unforgettable that it never fades from my memory.

Moreover, there was an opportunity that I really treasure. It was the time when I got to play with Ms Judit Polgar during her visit to Vietnam. With over 2700 elo, she is indeed a well-known figure when it comes to chess; thus, to be able to have a match with her granted me ample knowledge. 

Interviewer: Congratulations on becoming a Mathematics major of Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the gifted! Qualifying for both Mathematics and English majors, during, during the time when you have to juggle between revision and participation in prestigious events, did you encounter a lot of difficulties with time management? Also, in the face of stress, what did you usually do to mentally relieve yourself?

Hong Nhung: Along my revision journey, there were times when I was struggling without any motivation. However, I was lucky to be able to adjust my mood swiftly; hence, such moments didn’t affect my academic results much. During my freetime, I also revel in playing shuttlecock, soccer, and sudoku with my friends.

Interviewer: Having pursued chess for such a long time, you must have had for yourself a number of plans for years to come. Can you share with us a bit about your goals in the near future?

Hong Nhung; For now, I wish to progress in chess in an even more advanced and proficient way. I have great admiration for Grandmaster Mikhail Tal, a pioneer whose success I want to replicate, and to have a professional career in chess, and to become such a superb player in the future!

Hong Nhung’s stories about her experience and aspirations are truly intriguing and inspirational. She came across as a person with great confidence, a person with complete control over what she wants, and a person who would do everything to the best of her ability. We hope that you can keep your fire of passion burning, brightly as always, so as to achieve all your goals in the future!

Reporter: Luu Gia Dinh - Chinese 1922

Translator: Le Trung Kien - English 2023