Dedicating the best to Khanh Hoa football lovers

Down on the pitch, striker Oleksandr Kurakin of Khatoco Khanh Hoa was soaring with consecutive goals. In the stands, a white-haired foreign fan enthusiastically cheered on the player from Ukraine. He is Anton – father of striker Oleksandr Kurakin. Speaking with us, Mr. Anton enthusiastically shared his thoughts on the land, the people, and the sporting atmosphere in Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa:

Before coming here, my son and I researched carefully about Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, and Vietnam, including aspects of culture, customs, scenery, people, food, and many other things. We felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. My son is still very young, just 20 years old, and traveling abroad for the first time to a different continent, a different culture, and a different language. As a father, I could not let my son face that alone.

The day the plane landed at Cam Ranh International Airport, as we traveled along the coastal road to Nha Trang, all my worries gradually melted away. The air here is fresh and embraces you with subtropical warmth. This is very different from the freezing weather in Eastern Europe. Right then, I told myself: "Well, this is going to be a wonderful start."

- After 5 matches, Kurakin has scored 4 goals. That is an impressive start in the Khatoco Khanh Hoa jersey. How do you feel when your son scores on the pitch?

- I am happy, of course! Every time Kurakin leaps high for a header or fires into the opponent's net, my heart feels like it wants to jump out of my chest. Everyone in the stands calls his name, claps, and chants "Kurakin! Kurakin!". At that moment, I feel that all the sacrifices and sweat throughout the years of his childhood taking him to practice in Slovakia, Poland, or Denmark were completely worth it.

But I always remind Kurakin that this is just the beginning. Football is very harsh; you may be praised today, but tomorrow could be different. I want my son to always keep his feet on the ground and continue striving every day on the training pitch and in matches to be more deserving of the team's trust and the fans' expectations.

- Off the pitch, how is daily life for you and your son in Nha Trang? What do you like most here?

- Everything has exceeded my expectations! The scenery here is very beautiful. I often wake up early, then take a walk along the coast, enjoy the beach at dawn, and watch people exercising, having fun, and swimming. There is a positive energy spreading everywhere.

The cuisine here is a wonderful discovery. At first, my son was worried that unfamiliar food would affect his physical fitness, but now there is no need to worry. There are many delicious dishes here, such as banh mi and fish noodle soup (bun ca). The food here is fresh and delicious, good for health, and very reasonably priced.

- If you had to name the one thing that impressed you most during your first days in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, what would it be?

- It is sincerity and kindness. In the first days of setting foot in a new land, carrying worries about language and cultural barriers, I was certain that I would face aloofness. But everything was completely the opposite. Here, the distance was virtually erased by friendly smiles and open gazes. Wherever we went, we received wholehearted, selfless help. Strangers on the street were willing to give directions, guide us on how to order food… Kurakin's teammates also helped my son integrate very quickly and warmly. We did not feel out of place or like strangers, but were welcomed like members of the family. It is that very sincerity that is the most precious thing, helping my son and me overcome all initial awkwardness to steadily embark on this new journey.

- The season ahead is still very long, and the expectations placed on Oleksandr Kurakin are by no means small. As your son's greatest pillar of support, what message do you have for him on the journey ahead with Khatoco Khanh Hoa?

- I often tell Oleksandr: "You are wearing the colors of the most wonderful place we have ever set foot in. The fans here love football with all their hearts and passion. When the supporters chant your name, offering you their love and expectations, the best way to repay them is not with words, but with 100% dedication in every training session and every single minute on the pitch." 

I want my son to understand that success does not come from luck, but from humility and gratitude. This place has welcomed him and created the best conditions to give him the opportunity to showcase his abilities. Run your heart out for those colors, fight with a cool head and a warm heart, just as the people of this land have treated us with genuine sincerity.

- Thank you for this conversation!

CONG DINH (Conducted)