The power of will and desire to rise up

VHO - The 4th Patriotic Emulation Congress of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will gather more than 300 outstanding individuals from various fields of the industry. They are typical examples in work, study, labor, constantly creating and contributing to the common development. Each person is a "flower" shining in the "garden of good deeds", bringing a strong source of inspiration, arousing the spirit of patriotic emulation and the desire to contribute to the country.

Coach Mai Duc Chung: Symbol of will and lasting dedication

For Vietnamese football, the image of coach Mai Duc Chung with his gentle smile has become a symbol of will and persistent dedication for nearly two decades. At the age of 76, when many people have retired, he is still working hard on the field, leading the national women's team as a living proof of the spirit of patriotic emulation - the driving force that has supported him throughout his life devoted to sports .

Coach Mai Duc Chung's career path was not smooth, even having a late start, but was tempered by extraordinary determination. 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 is considered late to start.

However, it was the courage to change direction, combined with the desire to contribute, that created a Chung "xe ca" who left his mark in the Hanoi Xe Ca Enterprise's shirt and then shone with the General Department of Railways. He left an indelible mark in the historic friendly match in November 1976, when he scored a goal to help the General Department of Railways defeat Saigon Port, opening a new page for football in the two regions.

Since his coaching career, Coach Mai Duc Chung seems to have been chosen by history to stick with Vietnamese women's football. Right from his first time leading the team at the 19th SEA Games, he led the team to win a bronze medal and from there opened a brilliant journey with 6 SEA Games gold medals, a Southeast Asian championship in 2019 and especially a historic ticket to the 2023 Women's World Cup. Those achievements are not just simple sports achievements, but also the result of the aspiration to contribute to the Fatherland that has been deeply ingrained in him - always urging him and his students to overcome all limits to affirm Vietnam's position on the world football map.

In any position, Coach Mai Duc Chung always maintains humility and a spirit of continuous learning. He always emphasizes: The success of the team is a gift of gratitude to the Fatherland, the result of unity and aspiration from passionate patriotism. It is that spirit that has forged in him the strength to endure over time, so that despite his age, his heart still burns with the desire to contribute. For Vietnamese women's football, the name Mai Duc Chung is a symbol of will, of belief and above all, of patriotism that always shines. He was honored to be awarded the title "Hero of Labor in the Renewal Period" by the State (2021-2025).

Athlete Quang Hai: Pink heart on white snow

Among the sports figures honored at the Congress, Nguyen Quang Hai is a typical example of determination, will and desire to contribute. Quang Hai's career journey is closely linked to the historical milestones of Vietnamese football. Since playing for the youth team, he has left his mark by winning the U19 Southeast Asian runner-up title with his teammates in 2014 and 2015.

The big turning point came in 2017, when he was the captain of the U20 Vietnam team participating in the FIFA U20 World Cup - the first time in the history of Vietnamese football to participate in the world stage. It was not only a personal pride but also a testament to the aspiration of Vietnamese football to reach the big sea.

The most beautiful memory probably belongs to the 2018 AFC U23 Championship in Changzhou, China. Under the white snow, Quang Hai shined with a "rainbow" goal - a symbol of bravery and indomitable spirit, making millions of fans' hearts flutter, reinforcing the belief that Vietnamese football has enough courage to conquer new heights.

After that, Quang Hai continued to write a glorious history with his teammates at SEA Games 30 with a historic gold medal, then successfully defended the title at SEA Games 31 right at home. Most recently, he lifted the ASEAN Cup 2024 championship trophy in Thailand, bringing glory back to the joy of the fans, affirming the perseverance of a collective and the indispensable role of the player wearing the number 19 shirt.

With his tireless contributions, Quang Hai was honored to be awarded the Second Class Labor Medal (2018), Third Class Labor Medal (2018, 2025) by the State along with many Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Hanoi People's Committee. For him, these noble awards are not only recognition, but also motivation to continue competing, striving, maintaining moral qualities, bringing more contributions to Vietnamese football and the Fatherland. Quang Hai is a clear proof that: The spirit of patriotic emulation is not only present in goals, but also deeply engraved in every effort, every drop of sweat on the field.

Nguyen Thi Oanh: Sports changed my life

If Quang Hai asserts his mettle on the green grass, Nguyen Thi Oanh inspires with her persistent and resilient running steps. The “peppercorn” girl of Vietnamese athletics is a vivid image of the spirit of striving to overcome one’s own limits to bring glory to the Fatherland.

The 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia is the clearest proof: In harsh weather conditions and a tight competition schedule, Oanh competed consecutively in two events: 1,500m and 3,000m obstacle course, bringing home a total of 4 gold medals in just one Games. The image of Oanh steadfastly reaching the finish line has become a symbol of Vietnam's will: Small but persistent, striving to overcome adversity!

Few people know that, to have today, Oanh had to overcome a major incident. In 2014, she discovered that she had glomerulonephritis, and thought she would have to stop her career. But with her own will and determination, along with the 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 of all, overcoming illness, training hard every day to regain her form, conquering new limits.

The result of that perseverance is a huge list of achievements: 12 SEA Games gold medals, holding records in many events, 7 gold medals and 1 silver medal at the National Sports Festival, 39 gold medals at the National Championships and many national records. Noble awards such as the Second Class Labor Medal (2022, 2023), Third Class Labor Medal (2018, 2019) are worthy recognition for the journey of this brave girl.

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 turned the “peppercorn” girl into a symbol of Vietnamese willpower, spreading a strong inspiration to the younger generation.

Dr. People's Artist Le Tuan Cuong : The one who "keeps the fire" of Cheo art

With over 30 years of experience in the art of Cheo, Dr. People's Artist Le Tuan Cuong is both a talented artist and a passionate researcher and creator to bring Cheo closer to the public.

From a boy passionate about traditional arts, People's Artist Le Tuan Cuong has made constant efforts to become the Valedictorian of the Hanoi Academy of Theatre and Cinema. He has left a strong impression on the audience with many roles, including the award at the Young Talent Competition in 1998, with the role of Tran Phuong in the play Suy Van Gia Da - a complex role, requiring elaborate investment in both psychology and body.

However, realizing the rule of “old teachers, young singers” of the stage, People’s Artist Le Tuan Cuong switched to the role of director, where talent and creative thinking are strongly promoted. A series of works under his talented direction have won many awards at festivals, including 4 gold medals for the plays: Miraculous Rosary; Love story of a scholar and a singer; The remaining thing; Nguyen Dinh Nghi - and many other awards for Best Director...

Not only focusing on preserving and promoting traditional values, People's Artist Le Tuan Cuong also actively innovates so that Cheo does not get lost 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 breath of the times into each play.

With his tireless contributions, Dr. People's Artist Le Tuan Cuong was honored to be awarded the title of Meritorious Artist in 2019 and People's Artist in 2023. These noble titles and awards are both recognition and honor of his personal talent, and at the same time proof of his desire to contribute to the art of Cheo in particular and national culture in general.

People's Artist Pham Phuong Thao : Golden voice of contemporary folk music

With a sweet, deep voice and boundless love for folk music, People's Artist Pham Phuong Thao has become one of the leading singers of contemporary folk music.

From the first days of her artistic career, she quickly revealed her talent and burning passion. At the age of 16, the Nghe An girl was recruited directly into the Huong Sen Dance and Drama Troupe, then sent to train in vocal music at the Military University of Culture and Arts. In 2002, after graduating, she officially joined the Vietnam National Music, Dance and Theatre.

Pham Phuong Thao's name really shined when she won the third prize and the "Most Favorite Singer" award at the Sao Mai 2003 contest. This was a solid stepping stone to help her get closer to the public and affirm her unique musical style. During 27 years of professional artistic activities, she has reaped countless gold medals at national music and dance festivals, becoming a familiar and prestigious face on many big stages. She was also honored to be invited to be a judge at major awards such as Sao Mai, National Television Festival, National Professional Music and Dance Festival...

In addition to continuously releasing albums and MVs, she also composed many songs imbued with folk melodies and love for her homeland, such as: Motherland on the return day, Ten fragrant lotus flowers, Lullaby for you, Truong Bon land ...

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 noble title. And in 2023, she continued to attract attention as the youngest singer to be awarded the title of People's Artist. This is the motivation for her to continue to bring her voice to serve the Party, the State and the people, worthy of everyone's trust.

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 affirmed his name in the country's performing arts. As a performer and conductor at the Vietnam National Music and Dance Theatre, he has traveled across the country, from the border to the Hoang Sa - Truong Sa islands, as well as many countries around the world, contributing to promoting the image of the country and people of Vietnam to compatriots at home and abroad, and international friends through folk arts.

Throughout his career, he has contributed to the success of many national art programs, commemorating important events such as the birthdays of President Ho Chi Minh and President Ton Duc Thang, and other major events with the participation of late General Secretaries and Prime Ministers...

He has also performed at events hosting more than 90 heads of state, including special art programs 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 demonstrates his outstanding talent but also makes an important contribution to promoting Vietnamese culture and people to the world.

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

In addition to his role as an artist, People's Artist Do Truong An also actively participates in training and inspiring passion for 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 noble certificates of merit. People's Artist Do Truong An is still continuing his journey, tirelessly contributing to make the Vietnamese music picture more brilliant and sustainable.

The 4th Patriotic Emulation Congress of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is not only an occasion to honor advanced models but also an opportunity to affirm the willpower, aspiration to rise up and devote to the Fatherland of the Vietnamese people.

The “flowers” ​​of patriotic emulation such as Coach Mai Duc Chung, Athlete Quang Hai, Nguyen Thi Oanh, People’s Artist Le Tuan Cuong, People’s Artist Pham Phuong Thao and People’s Artist Do Truong An have continuously devoted their talent, determination and love for the Fatherland to achieve brilliant achievements. Each of them is a living symbol of bravery, creativity and aspiration to conquer the peak, contributing to spreading the spirit of patriotism, solidarity and common pride of the Vietnamese people.

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

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