The U14 Gia Lai International Festival 2026, organized by entrepreneur Duc, concluded on 15/5 with a significant presence from former Vietnam national team coach Park Hang-seo. Coach Park, who attended the closing ceremony today, offered encouragement to the young players. This followed current Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik's attendance at the opening ceremony. The festival took place from 11 to 15/5 at Ham Rong and Pleiku stadiums in Gia Lai.

The tournament featured five domestic teams from leading youth training centers: HAGL, PVF, SLNA, Ha Noi, and Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc. Seven international teams also participated, including: U14 Malaysia, Jubilo Iwata (Japan), Gangwon FC and Mohyeon (Korea), Shenzhen (China), Chonburi (Thailand), and Kham Say (Laos).

Coach Park’s presence underscored his close relationship with Duc, whom he considers a benefactor for bringing him to Vietnam in late 2017. Park, currently the Vice President of the Korea Football Association and a former advisor for Bac Ninh team, frequently visits Duc in the mountain town of Pleiku.

After overcoming numerous domestic and international teams, the youth teams of SLNA and Ha Noi reached the final, played at Pleiku stadium. The two representatives from Vietnam's leading youth training centers drew 0-0 after 60 minutes of play. Ha Noi then defeated SLNA 4-2 in a penalty shootout to claim the championship. PVF secured third place.

Coach Park and Duc presented the gold medals to the victorious Ha Noi team. AMD Malaysia received the Fair Play Award. Individual honors went to Mai Tuan Hoang (Ha Noi) as Best Player, Luthfil Hadi (AMD Malaysia) as Top Scorer, and Nguyen Thanh Dat (Ha Noi) as Best Goalkeeper. The festival, conceived by Duc, was held to celebrate National Tourism Year 2026, themed "Gia Lai - The great forest touching the blue sea". Duc stated that following the success of this event, he plans to discuss with the Vietnam Football Federation the possibility of organizing the tournament annually across various provinces nationwide to further promote youth football development.

Duc Dong