On the evening of January 24, U23 Vietnam returned home after a memorable journey at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup, concluding with an emotional penalty shootout victory over U23 South Korea to claim the bronze medal.

hlv kim sang sik.jpg

Coach Kim Sang Sik pushes injured defender Hieu Minh at Noi Bai Airport, January 24. Photo: VFF

Among the cheers and warm welcome from fans at Noi Bai International Airport, one poignant image stood out and touched the hearts of many: Coach Kim Sang Sik personally pushing a wheelchair carrying injured center-back Hieu Minh.

There were no speeches, no staged moments. Just a simple act of compassion - one that spoke volumes about the care, responsibility, and humanity of a coach for his player.

Hieu Minh had suffered a severe injury during the semifinal against U23 China and was unable to walk. With his right knee tightly braced, the young defender faced months away from football. He was transported separately from teammates and later taken directly to the hospital for medical procedures ahead of surgery.

Earlier in the tournament, Hieu Minh had been a cornerstone of U23 Vietnam’s defense. The 2004-born player started all five matches and was named Man of the Match in the team’s 2-0 opening win over U23 Jordan, scoring a goal himself.

u23 viet nam ve nuoc 4.JPG

Coach Kim and his players greeted by fans as U23 Vietnam returns home. Photo: SN

By the semifinals, he had racked up 36 clearances - second only to China’s Xiao Peng. His loss was deeply felt not only on the field but also in the hearts of supporters, especially seeing his emotional return in a wheelchair.

Standing at a distance in the airport crowd, Hieu Minh’s father watched quietly, eyes red. “We’re heartbroken, but we must stay strong for him,” he said. “As parents, we just want him to recover and return to the pitch soon.”

That day, he wasn’t the only parent overwhelmed with emotion. Other families of returning players, including Minh Phuc’s father, shared in both pride and concern, united by the rollercoaster of the past month.

For many, the most unforgettable image wasn’t the trophy celebration or the medal ceremony. It was that quiet walk - Coach Kim Sang Sik pushing Hieu Minh through a sea of fans, embodying not only victory but the bonds that define a team.

Dai Nam