The power of willpower and the aspiration to excel.

VHO - The 4th National Emulation Congress of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will bring together more than 300 outstanding individuals from various fields of the industry. They are exemplary role models in their work, studies, and labor, constantly innovating and contributing to overall development. Each person is a shining "flower" in the "garden of good deeds," providing strong inspiration, arousing the spirit of patriotic emulation and the aspiration to contribute to the country.

Coach Mai Duc Chung: An icon of unwavering willpower and dedication.

For Vietnamese football, the image of coach Mai Duc Chung with his gentle smile has become a symbol of unwavering willpower and dedication for nearly two decades. At the age of 76, when many have retired, he is still tirelessly working on the field, guiding the national women's team as a vivid testament to the patriotic spirit of competition – the driving force that has propelled him throughout his life dedicated to sports .

Coach Mai Duc Chung's career path has not been smooth, even having started late, but it has been forged by extraordinary willpower. After graduating from Bac Ninh University of Physical Education and Sports, he did not choose to teach like many of his colleagues but decided to become a player at the age of 22 - which was considered late to start.

However, it was this courageous change of direction, coupled with a burning desire to contribute, that created Chung "the bus driver," who left his mark while playing for the Hanoi Bus Enterprise and later shone brightly with the General Department of Railways. He left an indelible mark in the historic friendly match in November 1976, when he scored a goal that helped the General Department of Railways defeat Saigon Port, opening a new chapter for football in both North and South Vietnam.

Since embarking on his coaching career, Coach Mai Duc Chung seems destined by history to be associated with Vietnamese women's football. In his first stint as head coach at the 19th SEA Games, he led the team to a bronze medal, which opened the door to a brilliant journey with six SEA Games gold medals, a Southeast Asian Championship title in 2019, and most notably, a historic ticket to the 2023 Women's World Cup. These achievements are not merely sporting successes, but also the result of a deep-seated desire to contribute to the nation – a desire that constantly motivates him and his players to overcome all limitations and affirm Vietnam's position on the world football map.

In every role he has held, Coach Mai Duc Chung has maintained humility and a spirit of continuous learning. He always emphasizes that the team's success is a gift of gratitude to the Fatherland, the result of unity, aspiration, and fervent patriotism. This spirit has forged in him enduring strength, so that even with his advanced age, his heart still burns with the desire to contribute. For Vietnamese women's football, the name Mai Duc Chung is a symbol of willpower, faith, and above all, a shining patriotism. He was honored by the State with the title of "Hero of Labor in the Renovation Period" (2021-2025).

Athlete Quang Hai: A heart of pink on the white snow.

Among the sports figures honored at the Games, Nguyen Quang Hai is a prime example of perseverance, willpower, and a desire to contribute. Quang Hai's career journey is intertwined with historical milestones in Vietnamese football. From his time playing for the youth national team, he left his mark by helping his teammates win the runner-up title at the U19 Southeast Asian Championship in 2014 and 2015.

A major turning point came in 2017, when he captained the Vietnam U20 team at the FIFA U20 World Cup – the first time in the history of Vietnamese football that they had participated in a world-class tournament. This was not only a source of personal pride but also a testament to the aspirations of Vietnamese football to reach the global stage.

Perhaps the most beautiful memory belongs to the 2018 AFC U23 Championship in Changzhou, China. Under a blanket of snow, Quang Hai shone with a "rainbow" goal – a symbol of courage and indomitable spirit – stirring the hearts of millions of fans and reinforcing the belief that Vietnamese football has the potential to conquer new heights.

Subsequently, Quang Hai, along with his teammates, continued to write a glorious chapter in history at the 30th SEA Games with a historic gold medal, and then successfully defended their title at the 31st SEA Games right on home soil. Most recently, he lifted the ASEAN Cup 2024 trophy in Thailand, bringing glory home amidst the overwhelming joy of the fans, affirming the resilience of the team and the indispensable role of the player wearing jersey number 19.

For his tireless dedication, Quang Hai was honored by the State with the Second-Class Labor Medal (2018), the Third-Class Labor Medal (2018, 2025), along with numerous Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Hanoi People's Committee. For him, these prestigious awards are not only recognition but also motivation to continue competing, striving, maintaining moral character, and making even more contributions to Vietnamese football and the nation. Quang Hai is clear evidence that the spirit of patriotic emulation is not only present in his goals but is also deeply ingrained in every effort and every drop of sweat on the field.

Nguyen Thi Oanh: Sports have changed my life.

While Quang Hai demonstrated his prowess on the green pitch, Nguyen Thi Oanh inspired others with her persistent and resilient running. This petite girl of Vietnamese athletics is a vivid example of the spirit of striving to overcome one's own limitations to bring glory to the nation.

The 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia is the clearest example: In harsh weather conditions and a packed schedule, Oanh competed in two consecutive events, the 1,500m and 3,000m steeplechase, bringing home a total of four gold medals in just one Games. Oanh's image of bravely crossing the finish line has become a symbol of Vietnamese willpower: Small but persistent, striving to overcome adversity!

Few people know that, to get to where she is today, Oanh had to overcome a major setback. In 2014, she was diagnosed with glomerulonephritis, and it seemed as though her career would have to end. But with her own willpower and determination, along with encouragement from her family, teachers, doctors, and teammates, she returned to the track stronger than ever. For Oanh, competing is not just about winning medals, but first and foremost about overcoming illness, striving every day to regain her form and conquer new limits.

The fruits of that perseverance are an impressive record: 12 SEA Games gold medals, holding records in many events, 7 gold and 1 silver medal at the National Sports Games, 39 gold medals at the National Championships, along with numerous national records. High honors such as the Second Class Labor Medal (2022, 2023) and the Third Class Labor Medal (2018, 2019) are well-deserved recognition for the journey of this courageous young woman.

For Oanh, sports have changed her life, giving her confidence, resilience, and a desire to contribute. She has become more mature, more confident, daring to dream, daring to conquer, and daring to assert herself. It is this spirit that has transformed this petite girl into a symbol of Vietnamese resilience, spreading powerful inspiration to the younger generation.

Dr. and People's Artist Le Tuan Cuong : The "keeper of the flame" of Cheo art.

With over 30 years dedicated to the art of Cheo (traditional Vietnamese opera), Dr. and People's Artist Le Tuan Cuong is not only a talented artist but also a passionate researcher and innovator who strives to bring Cheo closer to the public.

From a young boy passionate about traditional arts, People's Artist Le Tuan Cuong tirelessly strived to become the valedictorian of the Hanoi University of Theatre and Film. He left a strong impression on audiences with many roles, including an award at the 1998 Young Talent Competition for his portrayal of Tran Phuong in the play "Suy Van Pretending to Be Mad" - a complex role requiring meticulous investment in both psychology and physical performance.

However, recognizing the "old master, young apprentice" pattern of the stage, People's Artist Le Tuan Cuong transitioned to the role of director, where his talent and creative thinking were strongly showcased. A series of works under his masterful direction have won numerous awards at festivals, including four gold medals for the plays: The Magical Rosary; The Love Story of a Scholar and a Courtesan; What Remains; Nguyen Dinh Nghi - along with many other Best Director awards...

Not only focusing on preserving and promoting traditional values, People's Artist Le Tuan Cuong also actively innovates so that Cheo (traditional Vietnamese opera) does not become out of place in the modern flow. He believes that traditional art is extremely valuable, but if it wants to survive and attract more audiences, it needs to breathe the spirit of the times into each performance.

For his tireless contributions, Dr. and People's Artist Le Tuan Cuong was honored with the title of Meritorious Artist in 2019 and People's Artist in 2023. These prestigious titles and awards are both a recognition and honor of his individual talent, and a testament to his aspiration to contribute to Cheo (traditional Vietnamese opera) in particular and national culture in general.

People's Artist Pham Phuong Thao : The golden voice of contemporary folk music.

With her sweet, soulful voice and boundless love for folk music, People's Artist Pham Phuong Thao has become one of the leading voices in contemporary folk music.

From the very beginning of her artistic career, she quickly demonstrated her talent and burning passion. At the age of 16, this girl from Nghe An was directly recruited into the Huong Sen Dance and Drama Troupe, and later sent to train in vocal music at the Military University of Culture and Arts. In 2002, after graduating, she officially joined the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Pham Phuong Thao's name truly shot to fame when she won third prize and the "Most Popular Singer" award at the 2003 Sao Mai Singing Contest. This was a solid stepping stone that helped her get closer to the public and affirm her distinctive musical style. Throughout her 27 years of professional artistic activity, she has won numerous gold medals at national music and dance festivals, becoming a familiar and respected face on many major stages. She has also been honored to be invited as a judge at major awards such as the Sao Mai Singing Contest, the National Television Festival, and the National Professional Music and Dance Festival...

Besides continuously releasing albums and music videos, she also composes many songs with strong folk influences and love for her homeland, such as: "Homeland on the Day of Return," "Ten Fragrant Lotus Flowers," "Lullaby for You in the Truong Bon Field, " etc.

With her outstanding contributions to music, in 2016, Pham Phuong Thao was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist – becoming the youngest singer to receive this prestigious title. And in 2023, she continued to attract attention as the youngest singer to be awarded the title of People's Artist. This serves as motivation for her to continue using her voice to serve the Party, the State, and the people, living up to everyone's trust and affection.

People's Artist Do Truong An : Elevating and promoting Vietnamese music to the world.

With over 30 years of dedication to music, People's Artist Do Truong An has established his name in the performing arts of Vietnam. As a performing artist and conductor at the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet Theatre, he has traveled throughout the country, from the borders to the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa islands, as well as to many countries around the world, contributing to promoting the image of Vietnam and its people to compatriots at home and abroad, and to international friends through traditional art.

Throughout his career, he contributed to the success of many national-level art programs, commemorating important events such as the birthdays of President Ho Chi Minh and President Ton Duc Thang, as well as other major events attended by former General Secretaries and Prime Ministers.

He has also performed at receptions for over 90 heads of state, including special artistic performances for the President of Russia, the President of the United States, the President of China, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations. His presence not only showcases his outstanding talent but also makes a significant contribution to promoting Vietnamese culture and people to the world.

People's Artist Do Truong An has won many prestigious awards, including a Gold Medal at the 2018 National Music and Dance Festival, a Gold Cup at the 2022 Pyongyang Spring Friendship Art Festival, and many other medals and special awards at festivals and competitions. These awards are clear evidence of his talent and continuous creativity.

Beyond his role as an artist, People's Artist Do Truong An actively participates in training and inspiring passion in many young artists across the country. His contributions have been recognized with the title of Meritorious Artist in 2012, People's Artist in 2023, and many other prestigious awards. People's Artist Do Truong An continues his journey, tirelessly dedicating himself to making the landscape of Vietnamese music even more vibrant and enduring.

The 4th National Emulation Congress of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is not only an occasion to honor outstanding role models but also a chance to affirm the strength of will, aspirations for advancement, and dedication to the Fatherland of the sons and daughters of Vietnam.

The patriotic emulation movement, featuring figures like Coach Mai Duc Chung, athletes Quang Hai and Nguyen Thi Oanh, People's Artist Le Tuan Cuong, People's Artist Pham Phuong Thao, and People's Artist Do Truong An, has continuously dedicated their talent, perseverance, and love for the country to achieve brilliant accomplishments. Each of them is a living symbol of courage, creativity, and the aspiration to conquer new heights, contributing to spreading patriotism, the strength of unity, and the shared pride of the Vietnamese nation.

(Implemented by the Personnel and Organization Department, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/suc-manh-cua-y-chi-va-khat-vong-vuon-len-169507.html