On November 17, the Vietnam National University – HCMC (VNU-HCM) Student Football Tournament - THACO Cup 2024 officially kicked off at the Di An City Stadium in Binh Duong Province. THACO President Pham Van Tai attended the event.

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THACO President Pham Van Tai and the tournament organizing committee

The ceremony saw the presence of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Hai Quan, Director of VNU-HCM, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Cao Vinh, Deputy Director of VNU-HCM, representatives from member universities within the VNU-HCM system, football players and a large number of supporters.

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Mr. Pham Van Tai attends the Vietnam National University – HCMC (VNU-HCM) Student Football Tournament - THACO Cup 2024

In his speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Cao Vinh expressed gratitude to THACO and other sponsors for their support in organizing the football tournament. The VNU-HCM Director also highlighted the close relationship between the university and businesses in fostering a sports playground for students.

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The champion trophy of the VNU-HCM Student Football Tournament - THACO Cup 2024
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THACO President Pham Van Tai and the organizing committee are presenting the trophy of the VNU-HCM Student Football Tournament - THACO Cup 2024

"VNU-HCM has always considered training, exchange, and connection activities for students across the system as one of our important missions. By doing so, we have taken every chance to promote the extracurricular or sports activities among students. This year’s tournament aims to boost unity, learning, and the sportsmanship among the participants," said Mr. Vinh.

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Students from the University of Technology – HCMC are excited with the 2024 tournament

Following the opening ceremony was a match between the University of Technology team and the An Giang University team, and another between the Information Technology University team and the Social Sciences and Humanities University team. With splendid attacks, the University of Technology team secured a convincing 5-1 victory over the An Giang University team. Meanwhile, the Information Technology University team and the Social Sciences and Humanities University team ended in a 1-1 draw.

As the tournament’s sponsor, THACO aims not only to create a sports playground but also to provide an opportunity for students to interact and learn from each other, nurturing talented, healthy, and creative young generations, and spreading positive sports values.

The VNU-HCM Student Football Tournament - THACO Cup 2024 is to celebrate the 42nd anniversary of the Vietnamese Teachers' Day and the VNU-HCM’s 30th anniversary (January 27, 1995). This is the first time the university has organized an 11-a-side football tournament, bringing together 250 players from 8 teams within its system.

The tournament runs until December 1 at the Di An City Stadium in Binh Duong Province. The champion team will receive a prize of VND50 million, the championship trophy, and gold medals. The second and third place teams will receive prizes of VND30 million and VND10 million, respectively, along with silver and bronze medals. Other prizes are also awarded, such as the fair play award, fan award, and best player award, with total prizes amounting to nearly VND100 million.