Football tournament celebrating 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day in Japan
WVR - FAVIJA KANSAI CUP 2025 – A football tournament for the Vietnamese community celebrating the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day took place at Kashihara Sports Park, the ancient capital of Nara, Japan, on August 10.
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The tournament was organized by the Vietnam-Japan International Exchange Organization (FAVIJA) under the patronage of the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan.
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| The tournament was divided into 8 groups playing round-robin matches simultaneously on 8 fields before entering the knockout stage. (Source: Organizing Committee) |
A total of 29 teams consisting Vietnamese living, studying, and working in the Kansai region participated, selected from nearly 50 registered teams.
Each team was allowed to register up to two Japanese or foreign players living in Japan.
The tournament was divided into 8 groups with round-robin matches on 8 pitches, followed by knockout rounds.
In the jubilant atmosphere of the national celebration, the tournament not only attracted hundreds of overseas Vietnamese supporters but also drew a large number of local Japanese spectators.
Ms. Morimoto Akiyo (whose Vietnamese name is Aki Thu), a Japanese supporter, shared: “I am one of those Japanese people who truly love Vietnam and have visited the country many times. Currently, I am studying Vietnamese. When I heard about this tournament, I came to the field to cheer, interact, and practice pronunciation with young Vietnamese friends. Thanks to football, I have made new friends and grown even fonder of Vietnam and its people”.
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| The winning teams will qualify for the national Vietnamese football championship in Japan. (Source: Organizing Committee) |
Mr. Nguyen Huu Long, Head of the Organizing Committee, said this event was particularly special, imbued with historical significance, national spirit, and the pride of Vietnamese people living abroad.
The tournament was not only a sporting event for physical fitness but also a bridge connecting the Vietnamese community toward their national roots and beloved homeland.
After a day of exciting and dramatic competition, the championship cup went to FC Hoang Hai Watch. The runner-up was FC ISC, while FC Shiga and FC Komaki shared third place.
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| The championship cup went to FC Hoang Hai Watch. (Source: Organizing Committee) |
The Organizing Committee also awarded the Top Scorer Award to Nguyen Anh Quan (FC Komaki); the Best Goalkeeper Award to Ngo Van Sang (FC Hoang Hai Watch); and the Best Player Award to Truong Van Quy (FC Hoang Hai Watch).
Mr. Do Quang Ba, Chairman of FAVIJA, announced that the winning teams would qualify for the National Vietnamese Football Championship in Japan, expected to take place in mid-November this year in Tokyo.
