Lai Huong Thao, Miss Sports 2012, has just flown to Indonesia to represent Vietnam at the 63rd annual Miss World beauty contest.

Lai Huong Thao at the airport

In early August, even though Thao's photo was published on the official website of the Miss World 2013, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s Arts Performing Agency said it had not given licence to anyone.

However, the department gave their approval for Lai Huong Thao to compete in one of the biggest beauty pageants in the world on August 23.

Lai Huong Thao, 22, was crowned Vietnam’s Miss Sports and also won the title of Miss Ha Long in 2012. In the same year, Thao got into the semi-final round of Miss Supranational in Poland.

Thanks to her previous experience, Thao has quickly co-operated with Elite Model Management in Vietnam to prepare for the contest. Thao has prepared her own accessories to match her costumes which will be provided by designers Hoang Hai and Quynh Paris.

Thao once was a volleyball player so her health and spirit are well-prepared. According to Thao, she received much support from her family as well as from her friends and fans. She said they will be her motivation to win the upcoming contest in Bali.

Head of Elite Model Management Company, Thuy Nga, also arrived at the airport to see Thao off.