Also attending were Chief of the General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defense General Nguyen Tan Cuong and others.
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General Phan Van Giang, General Nguyen Tan Cuong and other senior military leaders congratulate the VPA team on its victory. |
In his opening remarks, Lt. Gen. Nguyen Ba Luc, Deputy Chief of the General Staff and head of the organizing panel, stressed that this year’s tournament was honored to welcome representatives of the militaries of Cambodia, Singapore, Laos and Myanmar, along with the Ho Chi Minh City Police team and the team of the Viet Nam People’s Army (VPA).
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The Vietnamese national anthem performed during the opening ceremony |
It represents a sporting and cultural tradition in military relations and serves as a symbol of friendship, cooperation and shared development. The event gives participating armed forces an opportunity to interact, strengthen mutual understanding, and learn from one another. With the spirit of fair play and the goal of building a peaceful, friendly, cooperative and prosperous ASEAN, sports and cultural exchanges will further strengthen confidence that the participating countries can overcome difficulties together and work toward a brighter future.
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Lt. Gen. Nguyen Ba Luc presents commemorative flags to representatives of the participating teams. |
The tournament is being held as ASEAN continues to promote regional integration and economic growth, guided by the spirit of “One Vision, One Identity, One Community.” It is expected to feature high-level and exciting matches among the participating teams. A series of cultural exchange activities will also provide fans with memorable experiences.
The tournament is divided into two groups. Group A consists of the teams of Viet Nam, Myanmar and Cambodia. Group B comprises the Ho Chi Minh City Police team, the Lao People’s Army and the Singapore Armed Forces.
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An art performance at the opening ceremony |
Following the opening ceremony, the VPA team defeated the Myanmar team 3-0, temporarily taking the lead in Group A. In their second match, scheduled for 7 p.m. on August 23, the VPA team will face the Royal Cambodian Army.
Translated by Quynh Oanh