More than an annual sporting event, this year’s tournament is seen as a symbol of the Vietnamese community’s resilience, solidarity and steady growth in Russia and features nine teams representing the community’s youthful spirit and active sports movement.

According to the organizing board, this year’s tournament has been upgraded in both scale and organisation, from refereeing and medical services to the application of match-monitoring technology.

In addition to professional competition, the tournament also aims to boost ties among generations of Vietnamese while promoting a positive image of the Vietnamese community to local people.

At the opening ceremony, Counsellor Vu Son Viet said football is not only a way to improve health and provide entertainment, but also a cultural bridge that helps promote the image of Vietnamese people as united, civilised and responsible members of Russian society.

Chairman of the Union of Vietnamese Organisations Do Xuan Hoang praised efforts to maintain the tournament over the years, saying community sports activities have enriched the spiritual life of overseas Vietnamese while strengthening bonds among Vietnamese living far from home.

A notable feature of the 2026 season is the participation of many young players who have recently moved from Vietnam to Russia to study, work and live. This has brought fresh energy to the community football movement while reflecting a strong generational transition within the Vietnamese community in Russia.

According to Tran Phu Thuan, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the union as well as head of the organising committee, said this year’s tournament is more than just a sporting competition, marking a new stage in the development of the Vietnamese community in Russia.

The tournament provides an opportunity for younger generations to integrate, connect with the community and carry forward the values of solidarity built over decades, he added.

The first matches kicked off shortly after the opening ceremony in a lively atmosphere. With thorough preparation in player selection, tactics and organisation, the teams promise an exciting season with a high level of competition.

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