The first Vietnam Ethnic Minority Women's Football Tournament - VTV Cup 2026 was a resounding success, closing amid the excitement and vivid colours of the final ceremony. The championship trophy found its owner, while teams and individuals were called forward to receive well-deserved honours.

Yet beyond all the jubilant sounds, what remains with me are the beautiful quieter moments - natural and unassuming expressions of the character and culture of Lao Cai's people today: "Unity - Patriotism - Discipline - Civility - Hospitality".

Connection and shared emotion

There is one solemn and moving moment that never fails to touch the deepest part of the heart: the flag-salute ceremony before kick-off.

Under the clear autumn sky of the Northwest, Nghia Lo Stadium stood peacefully amid the Muong Lo fields, surrounded by mountain ranges fading in and out of the clouds. As the stirring national anthem rang out, thousands of people turned towards the national flag, creating a proud, moving and sacred moment that spread love of homeland and country across the northwestern mountains.

In Lao Cai, province-wide flag-salute ceremonies and regular monthly flag ceremonies have also become an established form of political activity. Yet when the national anthem sounded at a sporting festival, the emotion seemed to take on a different hue: more immediate and natural, while retaining its full solemnity and sacred meaning. The moment helped awaken and deepen pride, national self-respect and love for the homeland in everyone present.

In the stands, once the formalities were over, every distance seemed to disappear. What remained was a shared passion for sport and affection for the women players of both teams. Central and Lao Cai provincial leaders became some of the most enthusiastic supporters in the stadium. All eyes followed every movement of the ball; everyone was fully absorbed in every minute of the match, unable to hide their delight at fearless, spirited plays, sharing the same suspense, disappointment and bursts of joy after every goal.

Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee Vice Chairwoman Vu Thi Hien Hanh, Co-Head of the tournament Steering Committee, went onto the pitch at half-time to check on and encourage Dak Doa players.

At half-time, the sight of Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee Vice Chairwoman and tournament Steering Committee Co-Head Vu Thi Hien Hanh going onto the pitch to speak with and encourage both teams created a memorable and meaningful moment.

Her simple, sincere words captured the tournament's core human message: "By reaching this tournament, and especially by performing so well as to reach the final, both teams have already proved how deserving they are. Winning or losing is no longer what matters most. What is more valuable is that you have had the chance to meet, learn from one another, give your all for the spectators and strengthen the bonds of solidarity." The message added even greater lustre to the spirit of fair play at this special tournament.

That warmth continued in firm handshakes and caring, understanding glances from leaders, and in the heartfelt affection local people showed the Dak Doa women who had travelled from the distant Central Highlands, turning a contest on the pitch into a bridge of close-knit North-South solidarity.

Civility in conduct and heartfelt hospitality

Throughout the tournament, the civility and hospitality of the Muong Lo people were expressed naturally and with great thoughtfulness. Residents of Nghia Lo Ward and neighbouring communes and wards - Trung Tam, Cau Thia, Lien Son, Van Chan and others - not only gave wholehearted support to their home team but also opened their hearts to encourage every visiting delegation.

That thoughtfulness and sincerity began with gestures that might seem small, but are rarely seen.

Dak Doa is a long way from Muong Lo. The Central Highlands women arrived in Nghia Lo carrying their team colours, the call of home and their passion for football. And the people of Muong Lo and Nghia Lo welcomed them in their own way.

Before the final, Nghia Lo residents prepared banners supporting both Dak Doa of Gia Lai and their own Lao Cai side, Luc Yen, with all the warmth and enthusiasm for which Nghia Lo is known. Supporting the home team did not mean turning away from the opposition. In the stands of Nghia Lo Stadium, the cheers rang out for both Luc Yen and Dak Doa.

The final ended. Some spectators left after the final whistle. Yet under the midday sun, thousands remained in every seat of Stand A until the very last moment of the awards ceremony. They cheered together, shared the joy of every honour announced, and celebrated the jubilant scenes of the newly crowned champions. It was those who stayed who made the ceremony truly special.

Provincial People's Committee Chairman Nguyen Tuan Anh showed particular care for the players throughout the tournament, regularly visiting and offering timely encouragement. (Photo: Khac Diep)

Most moving of all were Lao Cai Province's goodwill awards to the four best-performing teams, a wholehearted recognition of their efforts. They were not prizes that determined sporting results, but a way for the host locality to thank the teams for creating a tournament filled with emotion.

That beauty was made complete after the closing and awards ceremony, when supporters, residents and young people themselves cleaned every bottle and scrap of litter from the stands before leaving. A stadium can, of course, be cleaned by service staff after a final. But spectators choosing to pick up litter themselves before heading home tells a different story. That quiet sense of personal responsibility is perhaps the most convincing measure of civilized urban living and cultural self-respect among local people.

Dak Doa players experienced the cultural space at Muong Lo Market.

By way of conclusion

The solemnity of the flag salute; the simple, approachable way leaders immersed themselves in the event; the courageous spirit of the women players; the enthusiastic yet civil support of the crowd; and the thoughtful cultural conduct shown in countless small gestures - all came together to paint a vivid and authentic portrait of the core qualities and values of Lao Cai's people today: "Unity - Patriotism - Discipline - Civility - Hospitality".

The first Vietnam Ethnic Minority Women's Football Tournament - VTV Cup has ended, but the echoes and beautiful memories of the days spent in Muong Lo, Nghia Lo, Lao Cai will surely remain for a long time in the hearts of the teams and many fans.

Duong Quoc Huy, Member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Lao Cai Provincial Party Committee, and Dang Khanh Toan, Member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Chief of the Party Central Committee Office, presented the championship trophy to Luc Yen's players.

Our sincere thanks go to the "women of the football field", who not only gave everything to create skilful moves, memorable plays and thrilling matches, but together wove a brilliant tapestry of cultural colour and a magnificent harmony of great national unity.

All of this will be a powerful source of inspiration, giving wings to the dreams and aspirations of Vietnam's ethnic minority women as they continue to soar on a new journey of development.

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