The atmosphere surrounding the U14 Gia Lai International Football Festival 2026 is heating up as international teams arrive one after another in Pleiku.
Mr. Nguyễn Tấn Anh – CEO of LPBank Hoàng Anh Gia Lai Sports Joint Stock Company, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee for the U14 Gia Lai International Football Festival 2026. Photo: Thanh Sáng
On this occasion, Mr. Nguyễn Tấn Anh – CEO of LPBank Hoàng Anh Gia Lai Sports JSC and Deputy Head of the Festival’s Organizing Committee – spoke with Gia Lai Newspaper and Radio & Television about the preparation journey for the Festival, his hopes for youth football, and the desire to promote Gia Lai’s image during the National Tourism Year – Gia Lai 2026.
Why did the Organizing Committee choose the “football festival” model instead of a traditional tournament, sir?
At this age, the players are just beginning their journey into professional football. Beyond the technical aspects, we want to give them opportunities for cultural exchange, to connect with international friends, and to discover Gia Lai.
Therefore, the Festival is not just about football matches, but also a journey of experiences for these young players.
In your opinion, what sets the U14 Gia Lai International Football Festival 2026 apart from other youth tournaments?
This year’s Festival is quite large in scale, featuring 12 teams, including 7 international squads from Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Laos.
A key highlight is that all teams will play multiple matches. Teams advancing past the group stage will compete for medals and prizes totaling up to 41,000 USD (over 1 billion VND). Even teams that do not reach the quarterfinals will continue to play for rankings from 5th to 12th place. As a result, each team will play at least 5 matches, with the most active teams playing up to 7 games. This format increases opportunities for competition and learning.
Additionally, the Organizing Committee has prepared various cultural exchange activities and a gala dinner to ensure memorable experiences for the young players.
For Vietnamese U14 players, what is the value of competing against international teams from developed football nations?
Early international exposure is extremely important for young players. The first generation of HAGL Academy players, such as Công Phượng, Xuân Trường, and Tuấn Anh, were also given opportunities to participate in many international tournaments, which helped them mature and become much more confident.
We hope this Festival will continue to help young players further develop their skills and expertise.
The U14 LPBank Hoàng Anh Gia Lai team participating in the U14 Gia Lai International Football Festival 2026. Photo: ĐVCC
What do you hope Vietnamese youth players will learn from this international playground?
We hope the young players will compete with confidence, dedication, and learn a great deal from the international teams. Most importantly, we want to see their fighting spirit, maturity, and resilience after this tournament.
What is the significance of the U14 Gia Lai International Football Festival 2026 for Gia Lai during the National Tourism Year, sir?
Mascots Voi Anh Chiêng, Bé Sóng, and Hổ Bi-Rai promoting the U14 Gia Lai International Football Festival 2026 and the province’s tourism. Photo: ĐVCC
This is a highly meaningful event as Gia Lai hosts the National Tourism Year 2026. Through the U14 International Football Festival, we hope to introduce Gia Lai as a friendly, hospitable, and culturally rich destination to both domestic and international friends.
It’s not just about football; this is also an opportunity to promote tourism, the people, and the unique beauty of a new Gia Lai.
LPBank Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) U14 are gearing up for the 2026 Gia Lai International Football Festival with confidence, as the hosts prepare to compete against a diverse field of domestic and international youth teams.
Gia Lai authorities and football officials have agreed on an extensive multi-platform media campaign to promote the 2026 Gia Lai U14 International Football Festival and the province’s National Tourism Year.
More than 1,600 athletes have registered for the 46th Kpă Klơng traditional race, as organisers move into the final stage of preparations ahead of the May event.
More than 600 golfers have teed off at the Bamboo Airways Golf Tournament 2026 - Fairway to the Skyway, which officially opened on April 25 at FLC Golf Links Quy Nhon.
The West Quy Nhon Ward Sports Festival 2026 concluded on April 25 with a lively race in Hai Nam neighborhood, drawing 52 athletes from six teams representing 16 residential areas and the local education sector.
An unbeaten home record and an undefeated season will collide on April 25 as Quy Nhon United host league leaders Truong Tuoi Dong Nai in a pivotal Round 16 fixture of V.League 2.
The inaugural Gia Lai - Binh Dinh Premier Football League 2026 opened on April 18 in Quy Nhon Nam Ward, bringing together six of the region’s strongest amateur teams in a bid to elevate grassroots football standards.
Gia Lai secured five additional places in the finals of the 2026 National Billiards & Snooker Club Championship following the conclusion of the first round on April 18 in Ho Chi Minh City.
The taekwondo movement in Gia Lai Province has expanded rapidly in recent years, with growing participation, strong grassroots development, and notable achievements at national and regional competitions.
Cyclists competing in the 2026 Ho Chi Minh City Television Cup completed Stage 12 on April 15, finishing a demanding 178km route from Cam Thanh Ward in Quang Ngai to Quy Nhon Ward in Gia Lai at around midday.
A 13-year-old Vietnamese martial artist has made an impressive international debut, winning one gold and two silver medals at the 2026 Kickboxing World Cup in Thailand.
A traditional martial arts tournament featuring 45 athletes officially opened on April 14, marking a key event in the 1st Tuy Phuoc Commune Sports Festival 2026.
Community running events in Vietnam’s Central Highlands province of Gia Lai are increasingly combining sport with social impact, raising funds for disadvantaged families while promoting healthier and greener lifestyles.
Nguyen Thi Oanh secured victory in the women’s half marathon at the Tay Ho Half Marathon 2026, while Pham Thi Hong Le finished second in a competitive race that drew more than 10,000 runners to the capital.
Having guided Gia Lai to its first gold medal at the 2026 National Sports Games, athletics head coach Huỳnh Minh Hiếu spoke with Gia Lai Newspaper and Radio & Television about the victory, strategy and his athlete’s form.
Pham Thi Hong Le secured victory in the women’s marathon at the 2026 National Marathon Championship - Tiền Phong Marathon, setting a new record and reinforcing her status as one of Vietnam’s leading distance runners.
Gia Lai’s sports sector is undergoing a broad transformation, underpinned by a growing grassroots movement and reinforced by rising achievements at national, regional and international competitions.
A women’s football tournament in Vietnam’s Central Highlands has drawn international attention for combining competitive sport with a vibrant celebration of ethnic diversity and cultural identity.
Authorities in Ia Ly commune in Vietnam’s Gia Lai province will hold a companion running event on March 22, offering participants a chance to explore the natural landscapes and cultural heritage of Kép village.
Goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien has received his first call-up to the Vietnam national football team, his club Hoang Anh Gia Lai announced on the morning of March 12.
Vietnamese striker Nguyễn Đình Bắc has been nominated in two individual categories at the 2026 Devotion Awards, underscoring a strong showing for the country’s football sector across this year’s shortlist.
Trekking is rapidly gaining popularity among young people in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, with increasing numbers joining hiking trips through forests and mountains in Gia Lai province, particularly on weekends and during the dry season.
Eight women’s football teams from Gia Lai, Quang Ngai and Dak Lak provinces will compete in the inaugural VTV5 Cup for Ethnic Minority Women’s Football Tournament from March 17 to 21 at the 15th Corps Stadium in Thong Nhat Ward, Gia Lai Province.
Table tennis continues to thrive in the western districts of Gia Lai province, maintaining steady growth and strong community participation despite the rising popularity of newer sports such as pickleball.
