National U19 Football Cup qualifiers to kick off in 2012

The National U19 Football Cup qualification first leg will take place between January 3-17 and the second leg from March 12 to 26.

The tournament is expected to attract 21 teams divided into three groups. Host Song Lam Nghe An will compete against teams such as Ha Noi T&T, Nam Dinh, Thanh Hoa and Than Quang Ninh in Group A while Group B sees competition between Thai Nguyen, Khanh Hoa, SHB Da Nang and hosts Hoang Anh Gia Lai. Group C, to play at the Thong Nhat Sports Centre, will include An Giang, Dong Tam Long An, Navibank Sai Gon and Kienlongbank Kien Giang.

The final round will take place between April 5-13.

Champions will be awarded VND60 million (US$2,850), runners-up VND40 million ($1,900) and the two teams who finish third VND25 million ($1,200) each.

Ha Noi takes top spot as national taekwondo tournament wraps up


Ha Noi topped the men's category, followed by Tay Ninh and HCM City, at a Taekwondo tournament which wrapped up at the Trinh Hoai Duc Gymnasium on Tuesday.

Nghe An and hosts Ha Noi took second and third places in the women's category.

The tournament attracted 300 taekwondo artists from 25 cities and provinces across the country.

Vinh Long hosts international men's cycling tournament

The ADC-Vinh Long television international men's cycling tournament will take place from December 25 to 31, attracting nine Vietnamese, one Dutch and one Lao team.

Cyclists will ride 810km through south-western provinces from Vinh Long to Can Tho City.

Total prize money will reach VND300 million ($14,200).

Dao Quang Tuynh, Nguyen Thi Loan win annual golf tournament

Golfers Dao Quang Tuynh and Nguyen Thi Loan recently came out on top at an annual tournament at the Do Son Seaside Golf Resort.

The tourney drew 32 golfers with prizes awarded to winners of each category and group. Evans Mahoney, director of golf at the resort, said that the event was held to increase solidarity among members of the Do Son Golf Club. The tourney would provide a good chance for golfers to gain more experience and relax, he added.

Fifteen top golfers from the tournament will take part in the qualification round of the Do Son Mercedes Trophy in May.

Former footballer becomes ambassador of an online game

Nguyen Hong Son is set to be the new ambassador of GOAL, a Chinese online football manager game.

This is the first time a game publisher has chosen a former footballer to take up such a position.

According to a GOAL representative, it will be an opportunity for game players to meet the former Vietnamese star.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News