Asian Pencak Silat Championship 2025: Where Ha Tinh students become integration ambassadors

For the first time, Ha Tinh was honored to be the "meeting place" for nearly 400 athletes, coaches and referees from 10 countries participating in the 2025 Asian Pencak Silat Championship, taking place from July 24 to 31. In addition to the beautiful moves on the arena, the audience was also impressed by a team of interpreters and volunteers who were young, enthusiastic and professional students.

When lessons take place outside of the textbook

Amidst the bustling atmosphere at the Ha Tinh Sports Stadium, when each punch resounded with cheers, there was a group of people who were silent but no less important: young interpreters, mostly 11th and 12th grade students from Ha Tinh High School for the Gifted. They had to diligently concentrate on listening to every word, straining to follow, grasping the process and remaining calm in every situation to interpret most accurately.

Bui Ngoc Bao Chau, an 11th grade English student at Ha Tinh Specialized High School, shared: "This is the first time I have taken on such an important role, but this is also an opportunity for me to improve my English skills and learn about Pencak Silat."

Bao Chau was given a difficult task: live interpretation in official matches. With a clear voice, precise commands, and quick reflexes in every unexpected situation, she has conquered both the referee team and international delegations with her professionalism that is rare at the age of 17.

Bui Ngoc Bao Chau is focused and serious when working as an interpreter.

Not only Bao Chau, but also 20 other English major students are participating in supporting the athlete teams, referee teams, medical and logistics teams. From picking up and dropping off athletes, interpreting in technical meetings, supporting competitions, explaining medical rules or supporting the ambulance team... each of them is an extremely important "link", contributing to the quick and smooth operation of the tournament. "My friends and I not only translate correctly, but also have to understand the culture and communication style of each team. That is an invaluable practical lesson!" - Doan Duy Hung (Ha Tinh Specialized High School) shared.

Carefully selected from high schools and university students, the group of volunteers has been thoroughly trained from language to competition procedures. This is not only a professional experience but also the first time to "play" internationally - where Ha Tinh youth can demonstrate their mettle and spirit of integration.

Young people fully support athletes and coaches when requested.

Teen Culture Ambassador

Not only taking on the role of language interpreters, the team of interpreters and volunteers also left a deep impression on international friends with their dynamism, intelligence and enthusiasm. Their presence not only helped the tournament operate and connect in terms of language but also contributed to conveying the hospitality, friendliness and cultural integration typical of the Vietnamese people. Sincere thanks, sympathetic eyes, smiles on lips... are proof of the connection beyond words.

Many international sports delegations could not hide their surprise and appreciation for the professional, flexible and warm-hearted manner that the young people of Ha Tinh showed throughout the tournament. “We are really impressed with the professionalism and enthusiasm of the young people of Vietnam. They made everything much easier!” - Mr. Pinyo Chotirat, Thai delegation shared.

The Thai delegation was impressed with the professionalism and enthusiasm of the young people of Ha Tinh.

Step out into the world from your own homeland

There is no need to go far, right at the international tournament taking place in their homeland, the young people of Ha Tinh have taken their first steps on the global journey. With a solid foreign language foundation, a sense of responsibility and youthful energy, they have proven that: the young generation of Ha Tinh can absolutely become global citizens, starting with the smallest but meaningful contributions.

“Young people today do not only study to know, but also to do, to contribute to building the image of the country. Mr. Nhan Bao Phong - Vietnam Sports Department affirmed: "We highly appreciate the dynamism and confidence of the interpreters and volunteers of Ha Tinh, thereby contributing to the success of this tournament."

Ha Tinh volunteers welcomed members of the Malaysian Pencak Silat delegation at the airport.

The Asian Pencak Silat Championship is not only a place for the continent’s top martial artists to compete, but also a “playground” for young interpreters and volunteers. They stand quietly behind the spotlight, but shine with their responsibility, passion and desire to integrate. The tournament is not only marked by medals but also by the spirit of connection and integration – where Ha Tinh youth have left their mark with courage, language and heart.