Speaking at the opening ceremony on December 18, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam and honorary advisor of the tournament, Mr. Ito Naoki, expressed his delight at the growing international appeal of the event. This year marks the first time a team from Singapore has joined the competition.

Ambassador Ito Naoki remarked, “This tournament is a major annual event for cultural and sporting exchange through football, especially for young players in southern Vietnam.”

He emphasized that the U13 Vietnam–Japan International Youth Football Tournament is not only a venue for skill development but also a launchpad for rising football stars.

He cited several young players who participated in the 2019 edition and have since made significant progress.

Some have been selected for Japan’s U17 team at the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup in Indonesia, while others, including Quang Huy, Quoc Kien, and Quoc Trung, have joined Vietnam’s U17 squad for the 2023 AFC U17 Championship.

First held in 2018 to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Vietnam–Japan diplomatic relations, the tournament has now entered its 7th season. It has steadily grown into a reputable international sports platform that fosters athletic spirit, ambition, and cross-cultural friendship. It also strengthens the enduring Vietnam–Japan partnership.

With approval and support from the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the Vietnam Football Federation, and other relevant departments, the event is co-organized by Becamex Group, Kawasaki Frontale Football Club, Becamex Ho Chi Minh City FC, and Becamex Tokyu Co., Ltd.

Following the opening ceremony, a vibrant and closely contested match took place between Becamex Ho Chi Minh City FC and Kawasaki Frontale Todoroki. The game featured five goals in total, with the host team clinching a 3–2 victory.

Lam Hoang