Ya Ly - A bodybuilder from Ma Danh Village
Born and raised in a rural Churu community, Ya Ly graduated with a degree in IT and began his career in the field. He initially took up bodybuilding to improve his health. Little did he expect that this passion would lead him to become a member of the Lam Dong bodybuilding team and win a string of medals at national competitions in recent years.
Where the journey began
Born in 1996 in Ma Danh Village, Don Duong Commune, Lam Dong, Ya Ly grew up in a Churu community where most families make a living from rice, coffee, and vegetable farming. Raised in a farming household, he worked hard in school and later earned a degree in information technology.
While studying at the University of Da Lat, he also learned English and occasionally worked as a tour guide. After graduating in 2018, he moved to Ho Chi Minh City and worked in software marketing.
However, after more than three years in an office job, health issues linked to long hours in front of a computer prompted him to rethink his career path.
When the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in late 2020, Ya Ly returned to his hometown and resumed bodybuilding, a sport he had practiced during his university years.
In 2022, as life returned to normal, he moved back to Da Lat to continue training and coaching beginners. Recognizing his potential and dedication, coach Tran Phuoc Toan introduced him to the Lam Dong bodybuilding team. The opportunity marked the start of his competitive career, which has since brought him a series of national medals.
The journey to a national gold medal
Ya Ly’s breakthrough came after years of steady progress on the national stage. He won his first medal - a silver - at the 2022 National Bodybuilding Clubs Championship in Da Lat. He followed it with a bronze in 2023 and silver medals in both 2024 and 2025.
In 2026, competing on home soil in Da Lat, Ya Ly finally reached the top of the podium, claiming gold in the 75kg category at the 33rd National Bodybuilding Clubs Championship.
Ya Ly is a highly promising athlete. He trains diligently, constantly strives to improve, and is always willing to learn. His gold medal at the recent National Bodybuilding Clubs Championship was a well-deserved reward for his efforts. Later this year, he will remain a key member of the Lam Dong bodybuilding team at the National Sports Games
Phu Tuong Linh
Head Coach, Lam Dong Bodybuilding and Fitness Team
“Maybe I have a special connection with medals,” Ya Ly said with a laugh. “I seem to win one every year."
For the Churu athlete, things have fallen into place. Bodybuilding has not only brought him medals but also opened up career opportunities and a stable livelihood. As a member of the Lam Dong bodybuilding team, he receives training support and benefits from a professional environment that allows him to continue developing as an athlete. At the same time, his work as a fitness coach provides a steady income and enables him to pursue his passion long term.
“The demand is huge nowadays. Gyms and fitness clubs are always looking for coaches, and many people want to train with personal trainers. I don’t think I’ll be going back to office work,” he said with a laugh.
Perhaps most rewarding of all, Ya Ly’s journey has inspired many young people in Ma Danh Village. A growing number of Churu youths have taken up bodybuilding, following his example and committing themselves to improving their health through training.