The Lao University team arrived in Ho Chi Minh City to participate in the 2025 International Student Tournament - THACO Cup with 26 members. Among them, a prominent figure is a graceful and beautiful woman, Ms. Phouvanh Simanovong, the team leader of the Lao University team, who is currently the Head of Administration at the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education and Sports of Laos. Because the Lao University team competing in the 2025 International Student Tournament - THACO Cup is comprised of students from four universities, Ms. Phouvanh Simanovong was assigned the task of overall management during the team's time in Vietnam.
Phouvanh Simanovong, the female team leader of the University of Laos team, is pictured in the stands at Ton Duc Thang University stadium.
PHOTO: NHAT THINH
Phouvanh Simanovong said she enjoys playing sports like pétanque and running to stay healthy. As for football, the female team leader has never experienced playing on a pitch, but she really enjoys immersing herself in the passionate atmosphere that the king of sports brings. And thanks to football, Phouvanh Simanovong had the opportunity to visit Ho Chi Minh City. She mentioned that she has visited famous Vietnamese landmarks such as Cua Lo beach (Vinh City), Hoi An ( Quang Nam ), Da Nang, and Hue… but this is her first time in Ho Chi Minh City.
The tour leader loves vermicelli soup with crab and spring rolls.
Phouvanh Simanovong expressed: "I am truly impressed by the friendliness and hospitality of many people in Ho Chi Minh City. The weather here is also very pleasant. Even more special, the city has many high-rise buildings, large hotels and schools, and tourist attractions… It is a civilized and modern city, but I also feel that traditional cultural aspects are being preserved and expressed in daily life." In addition, the female tour leader is also very fond of the typical local dishes of Ho Chi Minh City such as bun rieu (crab noodle soup) and goi cuon (spring rolls).
The only female team leader at the tournament.
"This is my most memorable experience in Vietnam so far, especially as the team leader of a football team. I am very proud of this," Simanovong shared. According to the female team leader, through the tournament, the Lao student players not only gained experience to improve their skills but also had the opportunity to interact, learn, and develop in all aspects with international students in the region. The only female team leader at the tournament expressed: "I had the opportunity to visit schools, including Ton Duc Thang University, and saw students focusing on lectures or participating in extracurricular activities. Especially during the opening ceremony of the 2025 International Student Tournament - THACO Cup, I could see that the Vietnamese students were very dynamic and enthusiastic. This international student tournament will give Lao students many valuable experiences."
Team leader Phouvanh Simanovong shared that the University of Laos team will take to the field with the highest determination for the honor of their country, but will always respect their opponents and demonstrate a spirit of fair play.
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