VTV Cup mark in his career
VTV Cup 2025 kicked off on the evening of June 28 at Vinh Phuc Stadium. However, volleyball fans no longer see the familiar image of the trio of commentators Anh Tuan, Ky Lan, and Tieu Huyen appearing on air like in previous seasons. In particular, the absence of BTV Ky Lan made many viewers feel regretful and questioned.
Sharing with Lao Dong, BTV Ky Lan - who has accompanied VTV Cup for 17 seasons - could not hide her emotions: "Seeing everyone preparing for the tournament and the opening, I felt overwhelmed. I started my television career in 2006, and have been in the profession for nearly 20 years now. During that time, volleyball, especially the VTV Cup, became a very special part of my journey as a journalist".
From July 1, BTV Ky Lan will officially switch to working in the field of Culture, Ethnic Language Television Department, concluding nearly two decades of association with the Sports Department of Vietnam Television. Although he is no longer commenting on the matches, he still follows the journey of the tournament that he and the team have accompanied, contributing to the development.
"For me, the VTV Cup is not just a sports tournament but a memory, a mark in my career. Each tournament leaves me with very unique emotions, because the affection of fans is always enthusiastic and sincere. I am proud to have contributed a small part to help Vietnamese women's volleyball get closer to the audience. It was volleyball and the VTV Cup that brought the name BTV Ky Lan closer to the audience," he shared.
For 17 years following VTV Cup, BTV Ky Lan has witnessed many generations of athletes growing up as 16-17 year old girls such as Pham Thi Yen, Bui Thi Nga, Linh Chi... Later, many of them became pillars of Vietnamese women's volleyball, a monument, even continuing their careers as coaches.
One of the most memorable memories of BTV Ky Lan is the time when VTV Cup was held for three consecutive years in Dak Lak (2009-2011). He recalled: "The audience was so enthusiastic that I sat near the fans to comment that sometimes I didn't even hear what I was saying. Once, an elderly man, nearly 80, traveled more than 60km to queue up to buy tickets. Unfortunately, it rained, the ticket he held was just pieces. When I learned about the incident, I was very touched and tried to send him a new pair of tickets to see."
Such simple, human-loving memories have created a very special part in the career of a television personality like BTV Ky Lan.
Two decades of traveling with passion
Not only standing out at the VTV Cup, BTV Ky Lan is also a familiar face in many domestic and international sporting events. From the 2008 Beijing Olympics, EURO 2012 in Ukraine, ASIAD 2014, to many SEA Games, he has been present and worked from the stage with an unchanged passion.
The audience remembers BTV Ky Lan for his witty commentary style, emotional, machant voice and enthusiastic sportsmanship. He not only conveyed information but also brought emotions, arousing the love of sports in each audience.
"In 20 years of sports activities, from volleyball, football to sports that few people know about, I have participated in them with the spirit of learning and dedication. For me, sports is not simply about reporting or commenting but also creating connections between athletes, fans and cultural and sports values," he confided.
Although he left the Sports Department to try a new role in the Culture Department of Ethnic Culture and Television Department, BTV Ky Lan affirmed that his love for sports has always flowed in him. He hopes that the valuable experiences from nearly two decades in the profession will help him adapt quickly and continue to bring new values in the field of fashion.
"I would like to thank the Sports Department for helping me gain a name in the hearts of fans. This is the luck I have. This will be a launching pad for me to continue pursuing my career as a journalist.
Ending a journey is also to start another journey. I do not consider this a farewell to sports but a transition to continue to mature and challenge myself. Surely, my love for volleyball and the audience is still intact, said BTV Ky Lan.
