A special tournament, full of emotions when associated with cultural and historical elements

Miss Vietnam 2020 DO THI HA answers interview

Many unforgettable memories

Miss Do Thi Ha offers incense to martyrs' graves at Truong Son National Martyrs Cemetery - Photo: NVCC

-First of all, thank you Miss Do Thi Ha for taking the time to answer the interview. The 66th Tien Phong Newspaper National Marathon and Long Distance Championship - 2025 - "The Triumph" ended successfully in many aspects. In particular, the unforgettable impressions were the meaningful accompanying events and activities. Can you share with readers your feelings and memories during the series of important accompanying activities of the tournament?

-This is the fourth time I have accompanied the Tien Phong Newspaper National Marathon and Long Distance Championship. The tournament is not only a connection between sports and historical traditions but also an opportunity for everyone to remember and honor the great contributions of previous generations. This year's tournament is very special as it takes place in the sacred land of Quang Tri right at the time of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country.

At this year's tournament, I not only felt the sportsmanship and determination of the athletes, but also felt proud because the event was associated with cultural and historical factors. I felt honored to accompany the tournament organizers in meaningful and humane activities in Quang Tri . Before the tournament officially started, I was very excited and looked forward to coming to Quang Tri every day. It is difficult to express all the emotions when we were able to offer flowers and incense to pay tribute to the heroic martyrs at Truong Son National Martyrs' Cemetery, Road 9, Quang Tri Ancient Citadel; and release flower lanterns on Thach Han River. This is an opportunity for our young generation to thank the previous generation, from which we will constantly strive in studying and working to build and contribute to the Fatherland.

Miss Do Thi Ha (first, from right) attended the flag-raising ceremony held at the Hien Luong - Ben Hai National Historical Site - Photo: M.D

One activity that left a strong impression on me was the Flag Raising Ceremony held at the Hien Luong - Ben Hai National Historical Site. I was deeply moved when witnessing the sacred moment with the heroic national anthem, the red flag with a yellow star was raised to the top of the historic Hien Luong flagpole. After the Flag Raising Ceremony, the organizers and athletes together spread the 250 m2 national flag with the meaning of connecting the everlasting solidarity of the nation and then sang the song "As if Uncle Ho were here on the day of great victory". At that moment, I believe everyone was extremely proud and unforgettable. Thank you to the organizers for creating a series of meaningful gratitude activities so that I, the athletes and visitors have the opportunity to feel more clearly the value of peace and spread gratitude as well as national pride.

Admire the bravery and will of the runners

-The 66th Tien Phong Newspaper National Marathon and Long Distance Championship - 2025 has ended, creating a complete and meaningful sports festival. There were many beautiful moments from the competitive spirit, completing the set goals, the efforts to set new records of professional athletes to the solidarity of the runner community, family affection on each route. So what impressed Miss Do Thi Ha from this tournament?

-The Tien Phong Newspaper National Marathon and Long Distance Championship attracted thousands of athletes of all ages, from all over the country. However, what surprised me more was the presence of many children, many families with both parents and children participating in the competition. This also demonstrates the power and great significance of sports for family bonding, affirming the passion for health training regardless of age. My first impression was the wonderful moment when family members with the same passion stood at the starting line, creating a beautiful story about the sports family on the roads of Quang Tri.

From 4:30 a.m. on March 30, more than 7,500 professional and amateur athletes officially entered the competition in many distances. It was a difficult and challenging morning for the athletes as their steps had to go through the drizzle and cold wind. However, despite the circumstances, the athletes were always resilient with the spirit of overcoming adversity. For them, each step is not only a journey to train the body but also to foster a positive and enthusiastic sportsmanship. As a result, the top athletes in the professional category continued to affirm their position when successfully defending their championship titles in their forte, setting many new records such as: Athlete Nguyen Thi Oanh with 9 consecutive championships in the 5 km distance for women; Athlete Do Quoc Luat with 11 consecutive championships in the 10 km distance for men... In the amateur category, the athletes competed with all their might, persistently overcoming many limits to reach the finish line. Seeing the athletes achieve their goals, I admire their will, courage and determination even more.

Miss Do Thi Ha awards athletes with high achievements - Photo: M.D

When I joined the running with the organizing committee and the students, even though it was only a short distance, it was enough for me to feel some of the difficulties that the athletes encountered. This was the first time I experienced the feeling of running in the rain and cold in Quang Tri. Fortunately, I am an active person who often plays many sports, so I adapted and overcame it. Through the running activity, the organizing committee and I hope to spread the spirit of sports to everyone, practice together to improve health, build and protect the Fatherland.

Impressions of the heart and "fire-giving" of Quang Tri people

-The support, friendliness, hospitality and enthusiasm of the people of Quang Tri are a great source of encouragement for each athlete. Do you feel that?

- During the days in Quang Tri and participating in accompanying activities, I and 41 contestants of the Miss Vietnam 2024 contest met many people. In the stories with them, we felt the sincerity, hospitality and extremely warm affection. From the taxi driver to the vendors at Dong Ha market, the volunteers were all very enthusiastic in guiding and introducing us to places to visit as well as enjoying many specialties. Before the competition, many groups of athletes needed support in terms of accommodation and were enthusiastically guided and helped by many individuals and businesses in Quang Tri. During the tournament, the weather in Quang Tri was rainy and cold, but the atmosphere of the tournament was always very "hot". Standing in the rain, I and everyone else did not seem to feel cold but always felt warmed by the enthusiasm, friendliness and loveliness of the people of Quang Tri. Whenever any athlete had an accident or was tired on the track, they would immediately receive help, words of encouragement, and cheers from the people of Quang Tri on both sides of the road. There were saleswomen who were willing to leave the market to stand and hold flags to cheer, and children cheered in excitement, ready to cheer and support all athletes from all over the country. Those images are proof of the friendliness, hospitality, and sincerity of the people of Quang Tri for us.

The days in Quang Tri were a wonderful "return to the roots" journey for me. I realized that the history of the nation is not only on the pages of books but also vivid in reality. From the painful losses, devastation and destruction after the war, Quang Tri today has put on a new coat of change and development. I clearly felt that when walking on many beautiful roads of this land. Our presence here, at the 66th Tien Phong Newspaper National Marathon and Long Distance Championship - 2025, is also an affirmation: Quang Tri today confidently hosts many national and international sports competitions, is the destination of many marathons attracting thousands of athletes. I will always remember the wonderful memories in Quang Tri - the vibrant days in the rhythm of sports associated with patriotism through many meaningful, humane activities, with strong influence.

-Thank you Miss Do Thi Ha!

Minh Duc (performed)

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/giai-dau-dac-biet-nhieu-cam-cuc-khi-gan-lien-voi-cac-yeu-to-van-hoa-lich-su-192726.htm