Students of the Faculty of Vietnamese Studies join the USSH-VNUHCM team at the 2024 District 3 Open Ngo Boat Racing Festival

On the morning of November 10, 2024, in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, thousands of people arrived at the Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe canal bank to cheer for the 2024 District 3 Open Ngo Boat Racing Festival. Participating in this year's tournament were 12 Ngo boat teams from various provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta, contributing to dramatic and intense competitions. The University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City team achieved the Consolation Prize, consisting of 15 athletes who are students from various faculties of the university.

The Faculty of Vietnamese Studies members include: 1. student Ly Xia, Deputy Head of the coaching team and also an athlete, 2. student Truong Nguyen Thanh Phuc, and 3. Vietnamese language preparatory international student Khammykhoun Sonexay (currently a first-year student at the Faculty of Tourism).

Ly Xia shared: “This is the first time our university's team has participated in the Ngo boat racing sport, so our preparation was not as complete as our opponents, such as the water training area or the boat itself. In a short amount of time (03 days), the coaching team could only manage to implement physical and land-based training exercises.”

The captains of the opposing teams were all experienced in coaching, directing, and competing. They have participated in many places, such as Ngo boat races in Kien Giang province, Soc Trang province, and especially the long-standing tradition at the Ok Om Bok Festival.

Although lacking practical combat experience, under the guidance of head coach Nguyen Thanh Long, the team members were determined to train and compete with all their might for the colors and pride of USSH.”

According to Ms. Vu Thi My Ngoc, Vice Chairperson of the District 3 People's Committee, the Ngo boat racing festival is an activity celebrating the 94th anniversary of the establishment of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front - The Great National Solidarity Festival (November 18, 1930 – November 18, 2024), and Viet Nam Cultural Heritage Day on November 23. At the same time, this activity also aims towards the Ok Om Bok Festival (the festival of eating green rice flakes or the Moon Worship festival), a significant tradition of the Khmer ethnic people.