Hanoi, Vietnam, is a city of approximately ten million people, and history and modern life weave together in a vibrant tapestry. The narrow streets of the Old Quarter bustle with the energy of scooters weaving through crowds while the rich aromas of sizzling street food fill the air. Hoan Kiem Lake, with its peaceful waters and the ancient Turtle Tower standing proudly in the middle, offers a serene escape from the lively chaos. The city hums with life, where the warmth of the people and the richness of local flavours, like a bowl of fragrant Pho, invite you to pause and savour the moment. Every corner of Hanoi feels like a story waiting to be discovered, where time moves slowly, yet the world around you is always alive. It was in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2005 where Minh Quang Ta was born.
In Sackville, Minh is better known as Mike. Those close to him know he can be found in one of three places at any given time: sleeping in the Marjorie Young Bell Library, working at the
Mount Allison Fitness Centre front desk, or training with intention and determination in the athletic centre. Mike is a dedicated, passionate, and talented player on Mount A’s varsity badminton team. Recruited to play in the spring of 2023, Mike lived in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, during high school before attending Mount Allison University. Mike was silent when he
was introduced to his future teammates in Jennings dining hall. He had a fascinating journey from Hanoi to Sackville, but we had yet to learn of his goofy character that would soon emerge for us all to witness.
Ho Chi Minh City, once Saigon, where the streets hum with life and the past dances hand-in-hand with the present. Picture this: the air thick with the sound of a thousand motorbikes weaving through the chaos, their riders in a symphony of purpose, while the scents of sizzling street food fill your senses. The old French colonial buildings, like the grand Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and the stately Central Post Office, stand proudly amid the modern glass giants that rise from the ground, watching over the city with quiet authority. In the heart of it all, the buzzing Ben Thanh Market beckons, alive with colour and voices bargaining for fresh fruit, fragrant herbs, and trinkets. But even here, in the rush of it all, the city knows how to pause. In the parks, locals gather for morning tai chi or peaceful reflection under the shade of old trees. As dusk falls, the streets transform again, the city’s lights flickering like stars, and the hum of conversation spills from rooftop bars, where people raise their glasses to the past and the promise of tomorrow. This is Ho Chi Minh City, a place of unrelenting energy, rich history, and a future that glows as brightly as its neon skyline. And here, we meet Khang Le Quoc Nguyen, or Tony, as he is better known in Sackville.
When Tony was in high school, he moved to River Hebert, Nova Scotia. Two hours away from Mike, they had no idea of the bond that would be forged once they decided on Mount A as the ideal destination. They are inseparable. Off the court, Mike and Tony venture everywhere and anywhere as long as it is together. To Moncton for shopping or their apartments for a game of
UNO, these two embody friendship. During practice, Mike and Tony can always be heard going back and forth with one another in Vietnamese. No one ever knows whether they are shouting at each other or simply chatting. But what is abundantly clear is that their presence on our team creates a spectacularly energetic atmosphere.
Tony, a commerce major, will graduate this year. He played his final match in the ACAA against the league’s best, Thomas Ashton from the UKC Blue Devils. Tony was a consistent point producer for the Mounties, known for his remarkable net play in men’s doubles. He was selected three times to represent Mount A at the ACAA championships, once in singles and twice in doubles. Taking home three silver medals with the Mounties during his tenure, Tony’s departure from garnet and gold will be significant. As for Mike, he has two years remaining at Mount A in pursuit of a computer science degree. Mike has twice qualified for the CCAA National Badminton Championships in men’s doubles with the Mounties. In 2024, he played alongside teammate Jacob Lamothe, and just this past year, with Ben Broadbent. Mike’s explosive and anticipatory style of play helped him twice capture ACAA First Team All-Conference honours and win Overall Male Rookie of the Year for Mount Allison in 2024.
Their accolades and achievements aside, Tony and Mike are two of the most amusing characters a team could have on its roster. Their ability to bring humour to any situation elevates the team’s spirit. It reminds everyone that success is as much about enjoying the journey as reaching the destination.
By Ben Broadbent