The VYB Championship 5x5 is a component of the VnExpress Youth Basketball Tournament - Ziaja Cup 2026. This year's tournament brings together many teams that left their mark in the 2025 season. Alongside familiar faces, the event welcomes new schools, adding an unpredictable element to the competition in both men's and women's divisions.

Vinschool The Harmony (yellow jerseys) during the 2025 final against Cau Giay High School. *Photo: Giang Huy*

Vinschool The Harmony stands out as the defending Hanoi regional men's champion. In the 2025 final, the team defeated Cau Giay High School 41-36 after a close contest. Cau Giay High School is also participating in the third season, hoping to improve their performance after securing the runner-up position last year.

In the women's division, Phan Dinh Phung High School returns to the tournament, having won the Hanoi regional championship two consecutive times. In the 2025 final, the team triumphed over Vinschool The Harmony 37-29.

The Phan Dinh Phung women's team and Vinschool The Harmony men's team later represented Hanoi in the two-region Super Cup in 5/2026. However, both teams lost to representatives from Vinschool Central Park. This marked the first time the Phan Dinh Phung women's team failed to win the VnExpress Youth Basketball Tournament - Ziaja Cup. Prior to this, they had secured three consecutive titles: two Hanoi regional championships and a victory in the two-region friendly tournament in 5/2025.

The Vinschool The Harmony women's team also returns this year. They are a strong contender for the championship, as their next generation of players is highly regarded and experienced from frequent participation in youth tournaments.

The Phan Dinh Phung High School women's team has won the Hanoi regional championship two consecutive times. *Photo: Giang Huy*

Beyond teams that advanced deep last season, this year's 5x5 Championship features new schools. Despite being Ziaja Cup rookies, some teams possess prior experience in Hanoi's student basketball leagues, promising to be unpredictable contenders.

In the men's division, the High School of Education Sciences, Marie Curie Middle and High School - Ha Dong, and Luong The Vinh High School Campus A are participating for the first time. Marie Curie, in particular, has a strong foundation in school basketball and experience in student competitions. Luong The Vinh has also sustained basketball activities across many student generations, providing a solid basis for their new lineup to quickly adapt to the tournament.

Beyond the aforementioned teams, the season also includes schools with notable basketball programs, such as Yen Hoa, Olympia, Doan Thi Diem, Le Quy Don - Ha Dong, Vinschool Smart City, and Newton.

In the women's division, Yen Hoa High School is a notable participant. The school boasts a strong school basketball movement and experience in Hanoi student competitions.

The third season of the 5x5 Championship features 24 men's teams, divided into 6 groups of 4 teams each. Teams will compete in a single round-robin format. The six group winners, along with the two best second-place teams, will advance to the quarterfinals. The 12 women's teams are split into 4 groups, with only the top team from each of the three groups securing a spot in the semifinals.

The group draw will take place on 2/10, the opening ceremony on 11/10, and the finals on 29/11.

This season also marks the debut of the VYB 3x3 Festival, dedicated to basketball clubs in Hanoi. It features two categories, U18 and Pro, and will run from 20-22/11.

The VnExpress Youth Basketball Tournament - Ziaja Cup is organized by VnExpress newspaper and FPT Online Services Joint Stock Company, sponsored by Ziaja Cosmetics, with technical consultation from the Vietnam Basketball Federation, and accompanied by Baniphar and eupc GROUP.

Yen Chi