Japan’s Yokohama win international U-21 tournament
Yokohama FC defended their title after defeating Vietnam 2-0 in the final of the Thanh Nien Newspaper International U-21 Football Tournament, held on December 22 in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho.
Yokohama players celebrate their International U21 Football Tournament victory on December 22 in Can Tho. (Photo: thethao.sggp.org.vn)
Can Tho (VNA)- Yokohama FC defended their title after defeating Vietnam 2-0 in the final ofthe Thanh Nien Newspaper International U-21 Football Tournament, held onDecember 22 in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho.
The match was the second meeting between the two sides in the annualtournament.
During the round robin qualification stage, the Japanese team scored a goal inextra time to tie with Vietnam 2-2. The result was enough to see them both faceeach other again in the final match.
Yokohama, who fielded their best players, did not have any difficultydominating their hosts, who were without striker Tran Ngoc Son, because of ared card from a previous match.
Meajima Yota scored the opener in the 17th minute, after receiving the ballfrom a corner kick. Yota controlled the ball with his right foot and shot intothe goal.
Vietnam pushed hard and created more attacks, but they failed to threatengoalkeeper Ichikawa Akinori.
Their only serious chance came when Trieu Viet Hung stole the ball and passedto striker Dinh Thanh Binh near the box. However, Binh, who scored a double inthe previous match, could not beat Akinori, who also saved many other shotsfrom the hosts during the final. Just four minutes after the interval, the score was 2-0 for the reigningchampions.
Captain Saito Kosuke leapt and headed the ball, which was crossed from theright wing, into the net.
Vietnamese goalie Roman Suo tried his best but he could not save his team andprevent the second goal.
Coach Trinh Duy Quang made changes to improve his attack. However, his players were still not strong enough to break Yokohama’s sterndefence.
In the third-place playoff, Myanmar beat Thailand 4-2 to take the bronze medal.
Yokohama went home with a bonus of 12,000 USD. The Japanese team alsosecured individual awards, as Kosuke was voted the best player of thetournament. His teammate, Matsuoka Rimu, was the leading scorer with fourgoals, and Akinori was the best goalkeeper.-VNA
This year, Can Tho city will host the Thanh Nien Newspaper International U21 Football Tournament for the second time since 2014, the championships’ organiser said at a press conference on December 11.
This year’s tournament has gathered over 300 coaches, athletes, and referees from 18 countries and territories, competing in 28 combat weight categories and eight performance categories. Vietnam’s team has 50 athletes, including six from Thai Nguyen province.
It is the first time that the country is to hold a G1-level tournament which is expected to lure more than 100 athletes of 15 countries and regions at Go Vap Gymnasium.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
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The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
Yokohama players celebrate their International U21 Football Tournament victory on December 22 in Can Tho. (Photo: thethao.sggp.org.vn) 
