Highlights of the Dong Thap Television International Futsal Tournament

The Dong Thap Television International Futsal Tournament continued to attract widespread attention and enthusiastic support from fans this year. The tournament came to a close with a thrilling and emotional final. 

Established in 2016, the Dong Thap Television International Futsal Tournament has grown steadily over the years, helping promote futsal practice and competition in Dong Thap Province and the Mekong Delta. 

The tournament’s success each season is built not only on exciting matches but also on the valuable support of government agencies, organizations, sponsors, participating futsal teams and, especially, the dedication of its founders and supporters. Their continued commitment has laid a solid foundation for the tournament’s proud 10-year journey. 

This year’s tournament brought together eight outstanding teams, including six from Vietnam and two international guests: Tor O Sot (Thailand), Lucky FC (Cambodia), Ho Chi Minh City Youth, Mai Cong Dong Thap, Lix FC (Ho Chi Minh City), HT Friend FC (Dong Thap), Thai Huy FC (Vinh Long), and Loc Van Rice - BV Bank Sa Dec. The teams treated fans to exciting matches, spectacular plays and wholehearted performances, demonstrating the steadily improving competitive standard of the tournament. 

On November 7, the final between two outstanding teams, Mai Cong Dong Thap and Lix FC, delivered an intense contest. With composure and sharp tactics, the Ho Chi Minh City team secured a narrow 1-0 victory to claim the championship title. 

More than just a professional sporting event, the Dong Thap Television International Futsal Tournament also serves as a bridge for strengthening friendship and international solidarity between Dong Thap and its regional partners. It also provides an opportunity to promote the province’s image and its friendly, hospitable people to visitors from near and far. 

Journalist Ngo Thi Ngoc Hanh, Director of Dong Thap Newspaper and Radio, Television and Head of the Organizing Committee, said: “The tournament’s success comes not only from exciting matches but also from the sustained contributions and support of individuals and organizations. As the tournament marks its 10th year, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the leaders of departments, agencies and sponsors who have consistently supported us, helping maintain and develop the tournament to increasingly professional standards and build its reputation among sports fans both regionally and nationwide.” 

From a professional perspective, Vuong Thanh Trung, General Secretary of the Dong Thap Football Federation, noted that this year’s tournament demonstrated improvements in the quality of players from Dong Thap and the wider region, while providing teams with valuable opportunities to compete and assess their abilities. 

Lix FC won the championship, Mai Cong Dong Thap finished second, while third place was shared by Tor O Sot and HT Friend FC.

The Organizing Committee also presented individual awards. Nguyen Van Nhut (No. 20) of Loc Van Rice - BVBank Sa Dec won the Top Scorer Award; Vu Van Kha (No. 26) of Lix FC was named Best Goalkeeper; and Lix FC received the Fair Play Award.  

“Mai Cong Dong Thap’s convincing 4-2 victory over defending champions Tor O Sot in the semifinals clearly demonstrates the rising standard of Dong Thap futsal and its growing standing both nationally and internationally,” Vuong Thanh Trung said. 

This year’s tournament also marked significant progress in professional organization, particularly in security, medical services and refereeing. The use of Video Support technology to review goals, disciplinary cards and other situations helped minimize errors and ease pressure on referees. 

Journalist and commentator Vu Quang Huy, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Cable Television, said: “I am very pleased that Dong Thap Newspaper and Radio, Television has continued to organize the tournament while steadily improving its quality. Vietnamese futsal still has its ups and downs, and I hope more tournaments like this will be held to broaden and strengthen the foundation of Vietnamese futsal.” 

The tournament’s technical quality was highly rated this year, with domestic teams featuring national team players and foreign players showcasing many impressive moves. It attracted large audiences both at the venue and through livestream broadcasts, helping spread the appeal of futsal to a wider audience. 

Nguyen Minh Nhat, a fan and Physical Education student at Dong Thap University, shared: “This year’s matches were very exciting and competitive. I learned a lot about playing techniques and the competitive mindset of both Vietnamese and international players. I attend the tournament every year. In my opinion, the international guest teams were quite strong this year and played an important role in the tournament’s success.” 

After 10 editions, the Dong Thap Television International Futsal Tournament has established its reputation for quality and left a lasting impression on sports fans. 

By DUONG UT - VAN THAO
Translated by ANH DUC