Nha Trang and unforgettable memories

The thrilling final match brought to a close the memorable 2nd International Youth and Student Football Tournament - 2026 THACO Cup, with impressive moments that created momentum to contribute to raising the level of school football in the region.

A high-class playground

The 2nd International Student Football Tournament - 2026 THACO Cup concluded on April 5th at Nha Trang University Stadium (Khanh Hoa province), with a dramatic final match between the National University of Malaysia and the University of Water Resources. This thrilling final was a dream ending to the international student football tournament. Over nine days of competition, six outstanding representatives of Southeast Asian school football – Nha Trang University (host), University of Water Resources, University of Laos, National University of Malaysia, Svay Rieng University (Cambodia), and National University of Singapore – delivered a football feast in Nha Trang, attracting thousands of spectators to the stadium and millions of viewers across various platforms.

The National University of Malaysia team erupted in joy after their victory in the final match.

PHOTO: DUY ANH

The appeal of the tournament stems not only from the "very high quality of football," as assessed by Vietnam's head coach Kim Sang-sik, but also from the pure spirit of the students: selfless effort for their country's colors, dedication with youthful enthusiasm, in the spirit of "Play beautifully - Win beautifully - Cheer beautifully." Ten matches, 25 goals, countless spectacular goals from the feet of amateur players on the Nha Trang University field.

Team leader Chaylasy Gnophanxay from the University of Laos shared: "This is a major tournament that helps elevate the regional football movement. Through school football, Lao players in particular, and players from other countries in general, have found another environment to develop students both professionally and in terms of character. We had 12 memorable days in Nha Trang and want to return to the International Student Sports Tournament next season."

National University of Singapore striker Heng Jee Kuan affirmed: "Our days in Nha Trang were very memorable, as we had the opportunity to compete to improve ourselves, interact with and experience a new culture, creating unforgettable memories of our student life."

A playground steeped in friendship.

The 2nd International Student Sports Tournament - 2026 THACO Cup was not purely about football. Besides the fierce competition, Vietnamese students and students from other countries in the region shared a common spirit of friendship and solidarity in Southeast Asia during the exchange organized by Nha Trang University. Moments like students from Laos and Cambodia singing Vietnamese songs, or all six teams singing and dancing together... highlighted the spirit of "on the field we are rivals, off the field we are brothers," showcasing the students' intelligence, aspirations, youthful enthusiasm, and dedication to their country's colors. There can only be one champion, but having entered the competition, each team has already achieved their own victory. Ultimately, the most important victory in sports is overcoming one's own limitations.

The 2nd International Student Football Tournament - 2026 THACO Cup also showcased world-class standards, from the quality of the pitches and medical facilities to the organization. The match supervisors, referee supervisors, and referees from the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) excellently fulfilled their professional duties and ensured fair play in all matches. "The professional standards at the International Student Football Tournament are very high, which is essential for promoting school football in Southeast Asia," Mr. Chaylasy Gnophanxay assessed. The efforts of the Organizing Committee and Nha Trang University resulted in a student football festival overflowing with enthusiasm, while also ensuring meticulous attention to detail. From domestic to international competitions, the Student Football Tournament always adheres to the professional regulations of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). According to many teams, this requirement acts as a filtering process, forcing teams to invest more, but it is also the only way to find truly high-class and well-organized teams, to build a football stage that honors student football talents, worthy of becoming a springboard for professional football.

See you again at the next TNSV International season, with even more groundbreaking quality promised!

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nha-trang-va-ky-uc-kho-quen-185260406222102718.htm