Chapter 16 — Bridge Yard Beats

The semi-finals took place in the afternoon, the arena was filled with spectators from many countries in the region, creating a rare vibrant and tense atmosphere. The couple Vy - Long stepped onto the field amid cheers and applause, facing the number two seed couple from Thailand - opponents who, according to the tournament's rules, if they win, both teams will win direct spots to participate in the regional Olympics, regardless of the result of the final match.

"This is the most important match ever," Coach Kiet said in the short meeting before the match, looking sternly at both students. "Winning means that you have officially won tickets to attend the Olympics. I believe you have fully prepared to achieve that."

Vy held Long's hand tightly before walking out onto the field, exchanging glances full of determination. "We've made it this far," she said softly. "Let's complete the remaining journey together."

"I believe we can do it," Long replied, squeezing her hand before the two walked out onto the field under the bright lights of the gym.

The first set took place at breakneck speed, with both sides launching strong attacks right from the first points. The Thai couple, just like what has been analyzed, showed a comprehensive attacking style of play from both wings, constantly putting pressure on Vietnam's defense.

But thanks to careful preparation, Vy and Long did not flinch, applying the correct tactics they had been practicing - maintaining equal attack pressure, not giving the opponent time to rest between shots. The first set ended with a victory in favor of Vietnam, although the gap was not too large.

In the second set, the Thai couple adjusted their tactics, focusing on exploiting weaknesses in Vy's defensive ability in high balls deep at the back of the court. That strategy was effective, helping them regain the initiative, equalize the final score, and bring the match into a tough deciding set.

During the break between two sets, coach Kiet approached, his voice full of urgency. "Long, you need to drop deeper to support Vy in the high balls at the end of the field. Vy, you need to trust that support, don't try to handle every ball alone."

Both nodded and adjusted their playing positions as directed. The third set started with more caution from both sides, each point being fiercely fought for. The stands seemed to hold their breath with each ball, cheers and cheers echoed throughout the arena.

In the final decisive points, the score was breathtakingly close. Vy clearly felt the pressure on her shoulders, but every time she glanced at Long, his steadfast gaze gave her strength to continue fighting to the end.

In the decisive phase, the opponent made a powerful smash towards Vy. In a split second, Long rushed from behind, coordinating perfectly with Vy in an excellent defensive phase, pushing the ball back into the opponent's field at a dangerous angle without having time to react.

The referee confirms the score, and also the overall winning score. The whole stadium exploded in cheers, Vy and Long hugged each other in the middle of the field, tears of happiness rolled down both of their cheeks - they had officially won tickets to attend the Olympics, the dream that they had both pursued together throughout this arduous but also extremely meaningful journey.

"We did it!" Vy shouted, her voice choked with emotion. "We really did it, Long!"

"I know, I know," Long replied, hugging her even tighter, his voice also shaking with overwhelming emotion. "Thank you, for trusting me, for accompanying me to the end of this dream."

The Thai couple, despite their defeat, still came to shake hands to congratulate with noble sportsmanship, because according to the tournament's regulations, failure in the semi-finals did not mean they lost the opportunity to attend the Olympics - both semi-final teams had officially won direct spots.

"Congratulations guys," the Thai athlete said, smiling sincerely even though he couldn't hide the regret in his eyes. "This was a great match. See you at the Olympics."

"Thank you very much," Long replied, squeezing his opponent's hand respectfully. "It was truly a memorable match for both teams."

In the stands, Coach Kiet and Mr. Trinh Bao Son hugged each other in bursts of joy, unable to hide the tears of happiness that rarely appeared in two men who always remained calm and serious. Tram, standing nearby, could not hold back her emotions, clapping nonstop at the historic achievement her students had just achieved.

"You guys have accomplished something that not many people dare to believe can be achieved after just a few months of pairing," Coach Kiet said when meeting Vy and Long again right after the match, his voice filled with undisguised pride. "This is truly one of the proudest moments of my entire coaching career."

"Thank you very much, teacher, for trusting and creating opportunities for us," Vy replied, her voice still choked with emotion. "If it weren't for your bold decision that day, we probably would never have had this moment."

That evening, news of the historic victory of the Vy - Long couple quickly spread back home, creating a wave of joy and pride in the Vietnamese badminton fan community. Both of their phones continuously received congratulatory messages and calls from family, friends, and colleagues.

Vy's mother made a video call as soon as she heard the news, her voice choked up and speechless for a moment. "Are... my daughter really going to the Olympics?" she asked, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"That's right, mom," Vy replied, unable to hold back her tears of happiness. "I did it, Mom."

"I'm so proud of you, my little girl," Vy's mother said, her voice trembling with emotion. "Your dad is definitely proud of you up there too."

The call ended with indescribable emotion, leaving Vy with a feeling of complete satisfaction and happiness that she had never experienced before during her playing career.

Afterwards, Long also called his father. Even though he had talked to him right at the gym, he still wanted to hear those congratulations again over the phone. "I'm so proud of you, son," Mr. Son said, his voice filled with an emotion he rarely showed. "You've done something that neither grandpa nor dad ever achieved in their entire careers."

"I am what I am today thanks to what you and grandfather taught me over the years, dad," Long replied, his voice choked. "I hope, I made dad proud."

"You have done a lot more than that," Mr. Son replied, his voice full of affection. "I am proud not only of your achievements, but also because you have found your own path, not in the shadow of your grandfather or father, but yourself, with all your unique values."

Those words made Long unable to contain his emotions, clearly feeling that the burden of family pressure that had been clinging to him for many years had now been completely lifted, giving way to a pure pride, not having to worry about anything, a feeling of relief that he had never dared to think about before.

That night, the whole team held a small celebration party right at the hotel, although still maintaining the necessary moderation before entering the final match. Phong, with the familiar role of stirring up the atmosphere, asked everyone to raise a glass of soft drink to congratulate the team's historic achievement.

"This is the first time in the history of Vietnamese badminton that a male and female couple won Olympic tickets in such a dramatic and emotional way," Phong announced excitedly, making the whole table laugh. "I'm proud to be a small part of this journey."

Tram also stood up to raise her glass, her eyes filled with sincere pride as she looked towards her two former students, Vy and Long. "I never thought that on the day I was forced to leave the field due to injury, I would be able to witness such a meaningful moment from my former teammate. Thank you both, for giving me a reason to be proud."

The whole table clinked glasses in warm laughter, closing a meaningful, historic day, marking one of the most important milestones not only in the careers of Vy and Long, but also in the history of the development of the country's badminton sport, a milestone that everyone present will remember forever for many years to come, as a living testament to what determination and sincere love can create together.