Special Head of the Tournament

The Lao University team came to Ho Chi Minh City to participate in the 2025 International Youth Soccer Tournament - THACO Cup with 26 members. Among them, a gentle and beautiful woman stood out, Ms. Phouvanh Simanovong, the head of the Lao University team, who is currently the Head of the Administration Department, Department of Higher Education under the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports. Because the Lao University team competing in the 2025 International Youth Soccer Tournament - THACO Cup is a gathering of students from 4 universities, Ms. Phouvanh Simanovong was assigned the task of general management during the time the team competed in Vietnam.

Female leader of the Lao University team Phouvanh Simanovong on the stands of Ton Duc Thang University

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

Phouvanh Simanovong said she likes to play sports like petanque and jogging to stay healthy. As for football, this female team leader has never played on the field, but she loves to immerse 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 said she has been to famous places in Vietnam such as Cua Lo beach (Vinh city), Hoi An city (Quang Nam), Da Nang city and Hue city... but this is her first time in Ho Chi Minh City.

The group leader loves vermicelli with crab and spring rolls.

Phouvanh Simanovong expressed: "I am really impressed by the friendliness and hospitality of many people in Ho Chi Minh City. The weather here is also very pleasant. More specifically, this city has many high-rise buildings, many large hotels and schools, tourist attractions... This is a civilized and modern city, but in it I also feel the traditional cultural features that are being preserved and expressed in daily life". In addition, the female group leader is also very fond of typical popular dishes of Ho Chi Minh City such as bun rieu and goi cuon.

The only female team leader at the tournament

"This is my most memorable experience in Vietnam so far, especially as the head of a football team. I am very proud of this," Simanovong shared. According to this female head of the delegation, through the tournament, Lao student players not only have the opportunity to improve their skills, but also have the opportunity to exchange, learn, and improve in all aspects with international students in the region. The only female head of the delegation at the tournament expressed: "I had the opportunity to visit schools, including Ton Duc Thang University, and saw students concentrating on listening to lectures or participating in extracurricular activities. Especially at the opening ceremony of the 2025 International Student Football Tournament - THACO Cup, it can be seen that Vietnamese students are very active and enthusiastic. This international student tournament will help Lao students gain many valuable experiences."

Head of the delegation Phouvanh Simanovong shared that the Lao University team will compete with the highest determination for the country's flag, but always respect the opponent and demonstrate the spirit of fair-play.