Thanh Hà 

HÀ NỘI — It's been more than two weeks, but you still can't take the smile off the face of tabletennis star Lê Đình Đức, who is still buzzing after winning two national gold medals.

It's been a remarkable journey for the 26-year-old from Đắk Nông Province, who was born with limb atrophy, a muscle-wasting condition that damages the nerves that control muscle movement.

“I am still happy and shaking with my golds," he said proudly.

"Many people congratulated me, especially when they learned about my story. I feel lucky for the attention I have received, especially from my coaches and managers."

Born in 1999, he was scouted after taking part in a tournament for junior players in 2009. Coach Vũ Mạnh Cường, a former SEA Games champion, saw his strong potential and picked him for Hà Nội T&T Club for professional training.

Everything went right, and Đức proved himself a great player, showing remarkable improvement over four years.

But a big blow hit him in 2013 when he suffered trouble with his health.

"For unknown reasons, my limbs gradually atrophied and I couldn't walk," he said.

"Doctors said that I had severe idiopathic ankylosing spondylitis and could face the risk of disability if not treated promptly."

Cường and his coaching board, as well as the owner of the club, encouraged Đức and supported him to find the best doctors.

"We all felt sorry to see him at that time. His legs were as thin as a normal person's arm and he was unable to walk, Cường said.

“We only wish that Đức was able to live and walk normally again. No one thought he could continue playing table tennis. 

"Fortunately, our boss (businessman Đỗ Quang Hiển) cared and helped him to be treated with the best conditions.” 

In two hard years, Đức recovered and learned to walk step by step, although still in pain. Remembering the love of the coaching staff and teammates, he told himself to never give up and to return to table tennis. 

“When I was able to hold the racket again, I felt that was the happiest moment in my life," said Đức, who was not only back playing but also shone brilliantly

"I also thought that since I had overcome the serious illness, I had to focus on training and competing to achieve good results professionally.” 

Time passed by, and Đức won his first national title in the men's doubles in 2020 and two SEA Games bronze medals, along with many medals from different international and local tournaments.

The 2025 event was a special one for him as he set a record of sixth men's doubles gold in a row and won a double title this year with a second gold in the men's team category. It was considered a milestone in his career at the 10-year mark.

Coach Cường was also emotional with his team's impressive achievement, as well as Đức's performances.

"The whole team was well prepared and played to achieve great success. In particular, Đức showed impressive form, contributing to winning two of the three golds of our club," said Cường.

As the national championships were seen as a window for coaches to select their national squad for the SEA Games, Đức and his coaches were both expecting to make the team.

"Đức and teammate Hoàng have a great combination and understanding in their games," Cường said.

"In the 33rd Games, the coaching board will take charge of arranging players for each category, but I believe that this pair will secure a medal in Thailand." 

Meanwhile, Đức is staying humble, hoping that he will be selected for the squad and earn a medal for the third Games in a row.

“I still need to improve myself and learn from my opponents for the better. I hope that I can play well in the 33rd SEA Games and make Việt Nam proud," he said.

Việt Nam took one gold, one silver and four bronze medals in the previous Games in 2023 in Cambodia. The Thailand Games will be held from December 7 to 20. VNS