Vietnamese community in Japan 'ignites spirit' for Hanoi Police FC ahead of major match

WVR - On September 13, at the headquarters of the Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka (Japan), the Vietnamese Association in Kansai held an exchange program to meet with Hanoi Police FC, coinciding with the team's match in Japan as part of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27.

The program was attended by representatives from the Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka, leaders of the Vietnamese Association in Kansai, representatives of Hanoi Police FC, along with more than 100 fans, supporters, and Vietnamese residents living, studying, and working in the Kansai region.

Vietnamese community in Japan 'ignites spirit' for Hanoi Police FC ahead of major match
Representatives from the Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka, the Vietnamese Association in Kansai, Hanoi Police FC, and a large number of fans at the exchange program. (Source: Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka)

Notably, the program featured players beloved by many Vietnamese fans, such as Nguyen Quang Hai, Doan Van Hau, Nguyen Dinh Bac, along with members of the coaching staff and the Hanoi Police FC delegation.

In a motivational speech to the team, Vietnamese Consul General in Osaka Nguyen Truong Son expressed his delight in welcoming Hanoi Police FC to Japan for matches and exchanges.

Consul General Nguyen Truong Son emphasized that the matches in Japan are not only significant in terms of expertise but also serve as an opportunity to promote the image of Vietnamese football, sportsmanship, and the culture and people of Vietnam to international friends.

He extended his best wishes to the coaching staff and all players to maintain unity, confidence, and play with full dedication, showcasing the spirit and aspirations of Vietnamese football, while also delivering spectacular matches for the fans.

Vietnamese community in Japan 'ignites spirit' for Hanoi Police FC ahead of major match
Hanoi Police FC presents a souvenir to the Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka. (Source: Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka)

Speaking at the program, Le Thuong, President of the Vietnamese Association in Kansai, stated that welcoming and accompanying Hanoi Police FC is a meaningful activity for the Vietnamese community in Japan.

According to Le Thuong, whenever Vietnamese teams, clubs, and sports delegations come to Japan, the Vietnamese community here always wishes to accompany, support, and create a bonding space filled with homeland affection. These activities not only help connect overseas Vietnamese but also promote the image of Vietnam and its people to Japanese and international friends through sports.

Vietnamese community in Japan 'ignites spirit' for Hanoi Police FC ahead of major match
Vietnamese fans in Kansai ready to support Hanoi Police FC in the crucial match against Gamba Osaka. (Source: Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka)

“Football has a very special power to connect. Whether in Vietnam or living in Japan, when we wear the colors of Vietnam, we share a common pride and love for our homeland,” Le Thuong shared.

Nguyen Van Viet, Deputy Executive Director of Hanoi Police FC, expressed thanks for the affection from the Consulate General and the Vietnamese community in Kansai towards the team. He noted that the presence of a large number of Vietnamese fans in Japan is a valuable source of motivation for the players ahead of the crucial match in the AFC Champions League Elite.

Vietnamese community in Japan 'ignites spirit' for Hanoi Police FC ahead of major match
Representatives of Hanoi Police FC express appreciation for the support and encouragement from the Vietnamese community in Japan. (Source: Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka)

In a warm atmosphere, the players interacted, chatted, and took photos with fans, offering and signing jerseys for the supporters. These signed gifts brought joy to the fans and served as a memento for the Vietnamese community in Japan during Hanoi Police FC's first visit to Kansai for a continental competition.

Following the exchange program, the attention of the Vietnamese community in Kansai is directed towards Hanoi Police FC's opening match in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27, as the Vietnamese team plays away at Gamba Osaka on September 15.

The match is part of the first round of the East Zone League Stage, scheduled for 7 PM on September 15 (Japan time) at Suita City Football Stadium.

Gamba Osaka is a team with a rich tradition in Japan, while Hanoi Police FC carries the hopes of Vietnamese football in their quest to conquer Asia's most prestigious club competition.

Ahead of the match, the Vietnamese community in Kansai has been actively mobilizing, connecting fans, and organizing a cheering squad to the stadium. It is expected that over 600 Vietnamese fans will be present in the stands, bringing along national flags and their support for the hometown team.

The presence of Vietnamese fans is expected to provide additional spiritual strength to the Hanoi Police FC players, while also creating a beautiful image of a united, dynamic Vietnamese community that looks towards their homeland and actively integrates into Japan.

Some other images from the exchange event:

Vietnamese community in Japan 'ignites spirit' for Hanoi Police FC ahead of major match
Vietnamese community in Japan 'ignites spirit' for Hanoi Police FC ahead of major match

Vietnamese community in Japan 'ignites spirit' for Hanoi Police FC ahead of major match
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(Source: Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka, Japan)