Vietnam - Thailand U17 Women's Friendly: Strengthening Solidarity Through Sports

Improve expertise, gain experience

Speaking at the meeting, head coach Okiyama Masahiko of the Vietnam U17 women's team expressed his condolences to the Thai people for the damage caused by the earthquake on March 28. He also expressed his hope that the two countries will continue to strengthen ties in many areas, including sports .

Head coach and players of the Vietnam U17 women's team (in blue) and Thailand U17 women's team attend a meeting before the match. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Coach Okiyama highly appreciated the technical foundation, discipline and professionalism of the young Vietnamese players, despite the short training time. "Each player has his own strengths. We have analyzed, prepared carefully and aim for a victory in tomorrow's match," he said.

The Japanese strategist also acknowledged that the Vietnamese U17 women's team does not have much experience in international competitions. Therefore, the match is not only an opportunity to test the squad but also helps the coaching staff collect data to perfect their playing style. "The players will bring the accumulated experience back to their clubs to continue training," added coach Okiyama.

Vietnam U17 women's player Hoang Thi Giang said that the whole team will try their best and is determined to win to show gratitude to the fans.

The two teams are determined to create an exciting match. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Thailand head coach Thidarat Wiwasukhu said the friendly match was not only a professional test but also contributed to strengthening the friendly relationship between the two countries. "Fans will witness an exciting match where sportsmanship and fair play are put first," she said.

Thailand U17 women's player Aunchidtha Homtago also expressed her desire to learn and gain international competition experience through this match.

Sports - a bridge of friendship

The friendly match was organized by the Vietnam - Thailand Friendship Association in coordination with the Thailand - Vietnam Friendship Association, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) and the People's Public Security Sports Association.

Senior Lieutenant General, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Thanh - Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, Chairman of the Vietnam - Thailand Friendship Association said that the friendly match is an important event in the series of activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam - Thailand diplomatic relations.

He affirmed: Sports, including women's football, are a bridge to help connect people, overcome cultural and language barriers. The friendly match not only helps young players practice their skills but also contributes to building a beautiful image of the Vietnam - Thailand relationship.

Chairman of the Vietnam - Thailand Friendship Association Nguyen Van Thanh (sixth from left) and Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromya (fifth from left) take a souvenir photo with delegates. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

He added that the Vietnam - Thailand Friendship Association, in coordination with the Thailand - Vietnam Friendship Association, is promoting exchange activities, connecting businesses, and promoting bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Thai Ambassador to Vietnam - Ms. Urawadee Sriphiromya said that football is not just a game but also carries a message of fairness, solidarity and mutual respect. "We are not here just to watch a match but also to witness the magical connecting power that sports brings to the Vietnam - Thailand relationship," she said.

She also highlighted the role of women in sports, affirming that the U17 female players are pioneers, contributing to raising the status of women in sports and society.

The friendly football match between the Vietnam U17 women's team and the Thailand U17 women's team has been permitted by the Asian Football Confederation to be held in accordance with the standards of an international football match. The match is expected to be attended by Mr. Sanan Angubolkul, President of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Trade Council, President of the Thailand - Vietnam Friendship Association and Ms. Nualphan Lamsam (Madam Pang), President of the Football Association of Thailand. The match will take place at 3:00 p.m. on April 3 at the People's Police Academy football field (Co Nhue 2 Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi City).

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/giao-huu-u17-nu-viet-nam-thai-lan-that-chat-tinh-doan-ket-qua-the-thao-212106.html