Behind the success of Yu Ballang, he tearfully spoke about his parents after winning gold at the 2025 SEA Games—a victory that came with feelings of longing.
On 12 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Yu Ballang Thaptimdaeng, the reigning world champion and world number one in the men’s 68 kg category, spoke tearfully about his parents after decisively defeating Lao Nusser, a young competitor from the Philippines, 2-0 rounds to claim the men’s 68 kg Taekwondo gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games as expected. He admitted missing home due to constant training, which left little time to return.
Yu Ballang said, “Although I have competed on bigger stages before, this was my first SEA Games. I did not take the competition lightly. I think I performed well today. Although I was a bit tense, I recovered and secured victory for Thailand. I feel proud of myself and happy to bring home the gold medal for Thailand.”
Yu confirmed that competing at home did not make him nervous and added, “I didn’t take the competition lightly. Some might think that having competed in bigger events, I might be complacent, but I believe every opponent is stronger, so I stay cautious and avoid underestimating anyone to prevent mistakes.”
Yu Ballang emphasized that his goal remains an Olympic medal, but there are many matches ahead to win along the way. He believes all athletes continually develop, whether in Thailand or abroad. He focuses on giving his best, staying cautious, and constantly improving himself. He views mistakes and losses as "lessons," not endings, but rather starting points.
Notably, this match was the first time his mother was able to watch live in person (previously she only watched broadcasts). This deeply moved Yu to tears during the interview. He affirmed that he could feel his parents' constant support, saying, “Just by looking into their eyes, I know their hearts,” because his parents always support him.
He said, “I haven’t gone to see my mother yet because I’m afraid I’ll cry. I rarely get to go home since I’m always training, and my home is in the provinces. I want to finish everything first before going home to hug them and recharge my spirit.”
“This was the first national-level match where my father came to cheer from the sidelines. It made me very happy and showed that I’m doing this for my family.”
Yu Ballang Thaptimdaeng is a rising Taekwondo star and a hope for Thailand’s national team. Before winning his first SEA Games gold, he was Thailand’s sixth world champion, following:
1. “June Rangsia Nisasom,” lightweight 62 kg women’s category (2011 South Korea)
2. “Max Chatchawan Khaolaor,” finweight 54 kg men’s category (2011 South Korea)
3. “Lek Chanathip Sonkham,” flyweight 49 kg women’s category (2013 Mexico)
4. “Tennis Panipak Wongpattanakit,” finweight 46 kg women’s category (2015 Russia) and flyweight 49 kg women’s category (2019 England)
5. “Nok Pannapa Hansujin,” bantamweight 53 kg women’s category (2019 England)
He is also the oldest Thai Taekwondo athlete to win a world championship.