The opening ceremony took place at Pleiku stadium, Gia Lai with many special performances from Tay Nguyen gong dance, Binh Dinh martial arts, creating a unique atmosphere, enthusiastically responded to by thousands of spectators present at the stadium.
The festival is co-organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Gia Lai province and Hoang Anh Gia Lai Sports Joint Stock Company, taking place from May 11 to 15. This is one of the tournaments in the series of cultural, sports, and tourism events of the National Tourism Year - Gia Lai 2026 to contribute to promoting the image of people and cultural identity of Gia Lai to international friends.
Attending the event were Mr. Pham Anh Tuan, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee, along with leaders of the People's Committee, departments, agencies, and branches in the locality. On the side of Hoang Anh Gia Lai club, there was the presence of Mr. Doan Nguyen Duc (Bau Duc) - Chairman of the team.
The festival welcomes Mr. Nguyen Xuan Vu - Vice President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and Mr. Kim Sang-sik - coach of the Vietnamese national team and U23 Vietnam. The presence of Mr. Kim Sang-sik is a great source of encouragement and cheering for young players attending the event.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Pham Anh Tuan emphasized that the Festival is of great significance in the series of activities of Gia Lai Tourism Year 2026. The event also demonstrates the aspiration to rise up, integrate, and affirm Gia Lai's position on the regional and international sports map.
The organization of this tournament as well as the participation of leading youth teams at home and abroad, shows the attractiveness and stature of the event and affirms that Gia Lai is gradually becoming an attractive destination for national and international sports and tourism events. This event is a great opportunity to promote the image of Gia Lai, a wonderful, friendly, hospitable and potential destination," Mr. Pham Anh Tuan said.
U14 Gia Lai International Football Festival - 2026 begins on May 11. Group A includes youth teams of Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL), Jubilo Iwata (Japan), Mohyeon FC (Korea) and Truong Tuoi Dong Nai. Group B includes Song Lam Nghe An, U14 Malaysia, Gangwon State All Stars (Korea) and Khamsay FC (Laos). Meanwhile, Group C brings together the teams CFA Shenzhen Academy (China), Chonburi FC (Thailand), PVF and Hanoi FC.
