On the afternoon of August 28, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong presented gifts from Prime Minister Le Minh Hung to the Vietnamese men's football team after their achievement of winning the ASEAN Cup 2026.
The meeting was attended by Director of the Vietnam Sports Administration Nguyen Danh Hoang Viet. On the Vietnamese team's side, there were Head of Delegation Tran Anh Tu, head coach Kim Sang-sik and members of the coaching staff.
Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong said that he was authorized by the Prime Minister to present gifts and convey words of praise and encouragement to coach Kim Sang-sik and the team members after winning the ASEAN Cup 2026.
According to the Deputy Minister, the achievements of the Vietnamese team are the result of great efforts of the head coach, coaching staff and players. Throughout the team's journey at the tournament, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has always followed, cared for and encouraged coach Kim Sang-sik and his team.
Despite being busy with work and not having the opportunity to directly attend the match, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung still cared, closely followed and encouraged the team. Immediately after the match, the Prime Minister sent a congratulatory letter, recognizing the achievements as well as the spirit and will of the players in the journey to win the Southeast Asian championship.
Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong emphasized that the Prime Minister's encouragement immediately after the tournament shows the Government's concern for sports in general and football in particular, in the context that national football teams have continuously achieved remarkable results.
In addition to congratulating the championship, the Deputy Minister conveyed to the team the expectation to continue to strive to train, compete and aim for higher achievements in the upcoming tournaments, from regional arenas to the Asian finals and the preparation process for the SEA Games.
The Deputy Minister also mentioned the image of fans in Hanoi and many localities across the country taking to the streets to celebrate the championship. According to him, the encouragement of the people is a source of encouragement for coach Kim Sang-sik, the coaching staff and the players to continue to prepare carefully in terms of expertise, tactics and tactics for the goals ahead.
Speaking about the meaning of the gift given at the meeting, Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong emphasized: "The gift today from the Prime Minister is a timely spiritual encouragement for the team's achievements. I hope that from the attention of the Prime Minister and levels and sectors, the team will continue to strive and achieve more brilliant achievements in the coming time.
In response to the concern of the Government and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, coach Kim Sang-sik thanked the Prime Minister, leaders of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and leaders at all levels for their concern for the team.
The Korean coach also mentioned the encouragement of the people and fans of Vietnam, considering this a great source of motivation to help the team overcome difficulties to achieve success.
For me, this is the first time with the national team to win the championship at My Dinh Stadium, so it has a very special meaning. I always cherish and appreciate the concern of leaders at all levels as well as the affection of fans for the players, even in the most difficult times," coach Kim Sang-sik shared.
The head coach of the Vietnamese team affirmed that he and his students will continue to strive and prepare best for the upcoming tournaments, thereby responding to the trust and expectations for the team.
The ASEAN Cup 2026 championship continues to create motivation for the Vietnamese team to aim for new goals. The concern and encouragement from the leaders of the Government, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and fans will be a source of encouragement for coach Kim Sang-sik and his team to continue preparing for the challenges ahead.
