As the inaugural edition, VTV Cup 2026 left a distinctive mark. The pitch was not only a stage for fierce competition but also a place where inspiring stories of resilience, sportsmanship and solidarity unfolded. The tournament also left touching memories of the warmth and affection shown by the people of Nghia Lo, Lao Cai - a gateway to Vietnam's Northwest rich in the cultural identity of the Thai ethnic group.

VTV Cup 2026: A tournament of sporting spirit, solidarity and heartfelt bonds in Muong Lo

The warmth of care and encouragement

The tournament took on even greater significance with the close attention and encouragement of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam. The final and closing ceremony were also honoured by the presence of Party Central Committee members Dang Khanh Toan, Deputy Chief of the Party Central Committee Office; Nguyen Thanh Lam, Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information and Education and General Director of Vietnam Television; and Duong Quoc Huy, Secretary of the Lao Cai Provincial Party Committee. Leaders of central agencies and commissions, Vietnam Television, Lao Cai Province and participating localities, together with a large crowd of fans, also attended.

The Party General Secretary and State President sent 12 special footballs as gifts to the 12 teams, a deeply meaningful gesture. The warm support of leaders of central ministries and sectors, agencies and organizations, and every locality with a participating team also provided invaluable encouragement.

Luc Yen players celebrated their victory.

That presence and support not only gave the women players greater confidence, motivation and passion, but also vividly demonstrated the Party and State's care for ethnic minority communities, women and the development of grassroots sports.

That presence and support not only gave the women players greater confidence, motivation and passion, but also vividly reflected the Party and State's attention to and care for ethnic minority communities, women and the development of grassroots sports.

A tournament of passion, courage and aspiration

Looking back on the tournament, the weather was not always favourable and, as Lao Cai's first time hosting a nationwide event of this scale, there were inevitably aspects that were not entirely perfect. Yet the spirit of the teams, the organizers' support and the affection of local people combined to make it a memorable tournament.

Dak Doa rout Nghia Lo 9-0 to reach VTV Cup 2026 semi-finals

An impressive tournament.

Whether in rain, on a slippery pitch with a wet ball, or under intense heat and difficult playing conditions, the "flowers of the football field" never stopped giving their all. Every run, tackle, shot and drop of sweat reflected the admirable spirit of ethnic minority women in Vietnam today: confident, strong, resilient and always aspiring to move forward.

The teams brought with them pride in their home communities, along with distinctive customs, stories and cultural identities, creating a richly diverse space for exchange. In this way, sport became a bridge connecting people, regions and Vietnam's ethnic communities.

Around the pitch, brocade costumes, indigo garments and traditional ao com blouses created a dazzling display of colour. In the stands, supporters in ethnic minority clothing and headscarves formed a vibrant "garden of flowers".

Vibrant stands and heart-stirring moments

The culture of support at this tournament became a distinctive feature in its own right, creating an atmosphere that was both lively and deeply humane. The people of Muong Lo and Nghia Lo welcomed women players arriving from distant villages with warmth and sincerity, as if welcoming family members home under one roof.

The tournament drew strong interest from local residents and visitors from across the country.

Few tournaments see supporters not only cheer for their hometown team but also wholeheartedly encourage every side with such sincere warmth.

Ahead of the final, Nghia Lo Ward and Lien Son Commune took the initiative to print formal banners supporting both finalists, Luc Yen and Dak Doa.

It was moving to see Thai women from the culturally rich Muong Lo region, graceful and radiant in traditional ao com blouses and pieu scarves, holding banners and cheering in unison for both Dak Doa of Gia Lai and their home province's Luc Yen team. Their considerate, civil and warm-hearted support brought the highest ideals of sportsmanship vividly to life.

The tournament also revived powerful historical memories. On her personal page, Nguyen Thi Thanh, former Deputy Head of the Yen Bai Provincial Party Committee's Mass Mobilization Commission before the merger, wrote emotionally: "The first Vietnam Ethnic Minority Women's Football Tournament - VTV Cup, held in Nghia Lo (Lao Cai), brings back memories of the bonds between Nghia Lo and Gia Lai. During the resistance war against the United States, the former Nghia Lo and Gia Lai provinces were twinned provinces. Those of us from the generations born in the 1940s and 1950s in Nghia Lo once studied at a high school named Gia Lai High School. Now, by happy coincidence, we have the chance to welcome Gia Lai's women's football team to Nghia Lo, and we are even happier and prouder that our home team has reached the final. May Dak Doa - Gia Lai continue to shine! May the fraternal bonds between Nghia Lo and Gia Lai grow ever stronger!"

Her simple, heartfelt words showed that the tournament was about far more than a rolling football. It became a place where threads of historical memory were reconnected, linking past and present through steadfast bonds of affection between the northwestern borderlands and the majestic Central Highlands.

Luc Yen players celebrated. (Photo: Organizing Committee)

Van Son (Phu Tho) earned a convincing 3-0 victory over Lam Thuong (Luc Yen).

The first Vietnam Ethnic Minority Women's Football Tournament - VTV Cup 2026 ended on a complete and joyful note, filled with emotion and unforgettable memories. Cups and honours found deserving recipients, but the greatest prize belonged to everyone: a tournament rich in meaning and affection. That spirit will continue to spread and inspire. Fans hope the Vietnam Ethnic Minority Women's Football Tournament - VTV Cup will be sustained and developed into an annual event, becoming increasingly professional, attractive and influential, with future editions bringing fresh ideas, powerful emotions and more inspiring stories.

Lao Cai Province made thorough preparations well in advance, ensuring the conditions needed for the tournament to be held successfully, safely and effectively.

And the most radiant "stand" of the first Vietnam Ethnic Minority Women's Football Tournament in 2026 was one built from simple affection, thoughtful gestures, pride, national self-respect and the spirit of great national unity.

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