The commendation was presented during the Patriotic Emulation Congress organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST), which aimed to review the outcomes of recent emulation movements and set directions for the 2025-2030 period. The event gathered over 300 outstanding delegates who have made significant contributions to Vietnam’s cultural, sports, and tourism sectors.

In the awards list, the sports sector recognized 16 individuals, including Coach Mai Duc Chung, 13 athletes, and 2 distinguished coaches. These figures achieved remarkable results both domestically and internationally, including track and field athlete Nguyen Thi Oanh, footballer Nguyen Quang Hai, swimmer Nguyen Huy Hoang, weightlifter Le Van Cong, and chess player Doan Thu Huyen.

Delivering his acceptance speech, Coach Mai Duc Chung emotionally shared: “Today is a monumental day in my life. I never imagined I would receive the highest honor from the nation. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Party, the Government, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the General Department of Sports and Physical Training, the Vietnam Football Federation, and our devoted fans at home and abroad. Most importantly, I am thankful to the players of the national women’s football team, who have stood by me and enabled me to earn this great honor.”

He added that despite age and declining health, he remains committed to giving his all for the women's national team and striving for greater achievements, deserving of the fans’ trust and the Labor Hero title he has been awarded.

Throughout more than two decades devoted to women’s football, Coach Mai Duc Chung has played a pivotal role in leading the Vietnamese women’s national team to numerous Southeast Asian championships, SEA Games medals, and notably, their historic debut at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Known as a passionate motivator, he has left an indelible mark on fans and the sport alike.

This Labor Hero title is a fitting recognition of Coach Mai Duc Chung’s relentless dedication and invaluable contributions to Vietnamese sports.

Tinh Le