Supporters: the heart of the SEA games in Laos
Lao supporters are full of enthusiasm at the thought of cheering on their players at the SEA Games in December, the first time the country has ever hosted the event.
The jovial atmosphere in and around the National Football Stadium on Tuesday night saw everyone in high spirits and fervent about the 4-Nations Football Tournament.
One spectator, Ms Latsamy Xaysongkham, 22, attended every match of the tournament, which took place on October 2, 4 and 6.
Ms Latsamy said she was delighted to be part of the cheering squad during the tournament and hopes to do the same at SEA Games football matches.
During the events in December, she and her friends plan to be good cultural ambassadors and on their best behaviour for visitors to Laos .
She commented on the national team's progressive development and the beneficial experience to be gained from the 4-nations tournament.
She believes the team's success in the upcoming games depends largely on the encouragement they get from their fans. She expressed her readiness to display her enthusiasm and support for the players on the big day.
This ardent spectator is also an avid fan of sepak takraw and will show her support for the country's team during this event as well.
Ms Latsamy lives in Nongchan village, Sisattanak district, and graduated from Rattana Business Administration College in 2007. She now runs her own construction materials business.
She asks all Lao people to show support for their teams and accompany her in cheering them on during the important events.
Ms Anisa Phanthasombath, 18, is another devoted football fan.
She is also a strong supporter of the Lao petanque team, which has high hopes of a medal in the SEA Games.
Like her compatriots, she realises the games have been a long time coming for Laos and is relishing the huge build-up in anticipation of this historic occasion.
She too knows the importance of being a good spectator. Additionally, Ms Anisa recognises the significance of promoting local products, and the need for everyone's participation in keeping Vientiane and all the sporting venues safe and clean.
Ms Anisa is in her first year at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration of the National University of Laos and lives in Naxay village, Xaysettha district.
In the final match of the 4-Nations Football Tournament, Laos took first place after drawing with Malaysia 1-1. The first match on October 2 saw Laos draw with Vietnam 2-2, and beat Thailand 3-0 in their second match on October 4.
On the back of this success on home soil, the Lao Football Federation will work hard with the team, hoping to sustain this performance throughout the SEA Games.
The team will soon compete in a regional tournament in Cambodia in order to gain even more experience before taking on the challenge of the SEA Games.
During a press conference at the National Stadium after Tuesday's final, popular striker Lamnao Singto was interviewed by the Lao media.
He expressed the elation he felt during the tournament due to the vocal support of fans.
He thanked them for coming to the matches, saying “I will give my best to train and improve for future games.”
So polish up your vocal chords, everyone, and let's hear it for Laos .
By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes
