Choking up looking at the memento of referee Tran Dinh Thinh: The thick book is now closed…

The mementos, titles, duty cards, and badges of referee Tran Dinh Thinh were placed solemnly on the table in the funeral area - proof of his lifelong dedication to football.

The unfinished book of referee Tran Dinh Thinh

Early morning of August 5, when the car carrying referee Tran Dinh Thinh's body arrived at his hometown in Dong Nai , the 43-year-old referee's mementos were also solemnly arranged by his family in the funeral area.

Among them, the notebook with the last notes of referee Tran Dinh Thinh when participating in the training course to prepare for the new V-League season on the morning of August 2nd is placed in the most solemn place by his family. Being a dedicated person to his work, referee Tran Dinh Thinh filled half of this thick notebook with professional notes, new knowledge, and new experiences to improve himself.

The last notes of referee Tran Dinh Thinh were heartbreaking: Dedicated for life.

On the morning of August 2, at the opening training class, referee Tran Dinh Thinh wrote down his last words in his notebook. Just one day later, tragedy struck.

At around 5am on August 3rd, at the Hanoi Athletics Palace, during a physical test to prepare for the season, when he was about to complete the last run, referee Tran Dinh Thinh collapsed. Afterwards, despite being given emergency treatment, he passed away at the hospital in the early morning of August 4th.

Final notes on August 2, 2025 by referee Tran Dinh Thinh

PHOTO: VO HIEU

The table with referee Tran Dinh Thinh's memorabilia

PHOTO: VO HIEU

Early morning of August 5, the body of referee Tran Dinh Thinh returned to his family in his hometown of Dinh Quan commune, Dong Nai province.

On the table to display his memorabilia, his family has solemnly arranged his Silver Whistle, Bronze Whistle titles, FIFA commemorative medal (recognizing referee Tran Dinh Thinh as meeting FIFA standards) and his duty cards.

He received two consecutive Bronze Whistle and Silver Whistle titles in 2024 and 2025.

PHOTO: VO HIEU

Relatives opened the notebook to review the last entry.

PHOTO: VO HIEU

The thick black notebook had been filled with notes, so he moved to the red book of VPF.

PHOTO: VO HIEU

The timers that have been with referee Thinh for more than ten years, the task cards, and the thick VPF notebook that has been written on and transferred to a new one are all carefully kept by him.

These memorabilia are not only symbols of professional recognition, but also testament to the seriousness and dedication of a person who has devoted his whole heart to football and refereeing.

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh has returned to his family.

A dedicated career

Since 2015, referee Tran Dinh Thinh has officiated in V-League matches and is famous for being serious and authoritative.

With outstanding achievements, referee Tran Dinh Thinh was awarded the bronze whistle title for the 2023-2024 season and the silver whistle for the 2024-2025 season.

Family and colleagues have prepared everything for his funeral.

PHOTO: VO HIEU

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh's duty cards and titles

PHOTO: VO HIEU

All is now just a souvenir

PHOTO: VO HIEU

In addition to his refereeing work, he is also actively involved in local physical education , inspiring sports and encouraging physical development for younger generations.

According to information from the family, the funeral of referee Tran Dinh Thinh will be held at 9:00 a.m. on August 5 (June 12 of the lunar calendar). After that, the funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. on August 7, 2025 (June 15 of the lunar calendar). After the funeral, referee Tran Dinh Thinh's coffin will be buried at Phap Quang Pagoda Cemetery (Dong Nai).

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nghen-long-nhin-ky-vat-cua-trong-tai-tran-dinh-thinh-cuon-so-day-tu-nay-dong-lai-185250805084128745.htm