The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has just issued Document No. 241/TTr-BVHTTDL to the Prime Minister for consideration and to the President to award the title "Hero of Labor" to Mr. Mai Duc Chung - former Head Coach of the Vietnam National Women's Football Team, Vietnam Football Federation.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is consulting the people on awarding the title "Hero of Labor" to the above individual.
Consulting is to follow the law - based on Clause 1, Article 46 of Decree No. 98/2023/ND-CP dated December 31, 2023 of the Government detailing the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on Emulation and Commendation.
In the hearts of Vietnamese football fans, Mr. Mai Duc Chung has long been a living legend, a true hero because of his contributions, dedication, sacrifices and the unprecedented glory he brought to Vietnamese women's football.
Mr. Mai Duc Chung has had a football coaching journey that spans decades, with countless resounding achievements. Starting in 1997, he led the women's team to win the SEA Games Gold Medal - the first title in the history of Vietnamese women's football.
This success did not stop there but was continued with subsequent gold medals in 2003, 2005, and recently the 2017 and 2019 SEA Games.
Notably, under his leadership, the Vietnamese women's team entered the semi-finals for the first time at the 2014 Asian Games. And the pinnacle of Mr. Mai Duc Chung's work with Vietnamese women's football was winning a ticket to the 2023 Women's World Cup - a big dream for the country's football.
These achievements have demonstrated the strong position of Vietnamese women's football, not only in the region but also internationally.
In particular, Mr. Mai Duc Chung brought the women's football team to the 2023 Women's World Cup at a difficult time when the team faced a crisis in terms of personnel and health due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yet, with a courageous spirit, he led the team to overcome all challenges to make their name in a world tournament for the first time. This is a historic milestone for Vietnamese women's football.
It should also be emphasized that Mr. Chung not only contributed to women's football, but men's football also had his mark during difficult times.
All these successes are not just dry title numbers but the result of hard work, dedication and relentless efforts.
More than anyone else, Mr. Mai Duc Chung has proven that with heart and enthusiasm, people can do extraordinary things.
Mr. Mai Duc Chung is already a “Hero” in the hearts of his fans. But Mr. Mai Duc Chung still needs and completely deserves an official “Labor Hero” title from the State.
Mr. Mai Duc Chung was awarded the title of Hero of Labor, not only to honor him but also to encourage future generations to follow in his footsteps, bringing Vietnamese football further on the world map!
