The Dak Doa commune women's football team (in blue) participating in the Vietnam ethnic minority women's football tournament - VTV Cup 2026 in Lao Cai. *Photo: Tuan Nguyen*

Hoang Anh Gia Lai Sports Joint Stock Company, the managing entity of HAGL club, sent an official letter on 28/8 requesting to take over, manage, and train the Dak Doa commune women's football team. The goal is for the team to compete in the national championship from 2027.

The decision comes after the Hoang Anh Gia Lai Sports Joint Stock Company expressed admiration for the brave fighting spirit of the Dak Doa women's team. The team, primarily composed of Jarai and Bahnar players, recently reached the final of the Vietnam ethnic minority women's football tournament - VTV Cup 2026 in Lao Cai.

Witnessing the team's talent and performance, chairman Doan Nguyen Duc immediately proposed significant investment to develop the team professionally. Nguyen Tan Anh, CEO of HAGL club, shared with VnExpress, "The AFC's professional football development model encourages every club to have both men's and women's teams. Chairman Doan Nguyen Duc had envisioned a women's football team but lacked the conditions for its development. Seeing the Dak Doa commune women's team performing well and having many talented players, we made the proposal, and the chairman immediately approved it."

The Dak Doa commune women's football team celebrates reaching the final of the Vietnam ethnic minority women's football tournament - VTV Cup 2026 in Lao Cai. *Photo: Tuan Nguyen*

Following the takeover, the club plans to recruit additional players from various levels. Investment will focus on facilities, nutrition, healthcare, and training plans, adopting a professional model similar to other Vietnamese women's clubs. This comprehensive development aims to prepare the team for the national women's football championship starting in 2027.

Despite Vietnam's women's national team participating in the 2023 Women's World Cup, winning the Southeast Asian championship four times, and securing 8 SEA Games gold medals, the overall development of women's football in the country remains limited. Currently, only a few localities, such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Thai Nguyen, and Ha Nam, invest in women's football. The 2026 national championship features only 7 clubs: Hanoi (two teams), Ho Chi Minh City (two), Thai Nguyen T&T, Than KSVN, and Phong Phu Ha Nam.

Duc Dong