Prime Minister: Football inspires patriotism, national pride

ABO/VNA - Football has inspired patriotism and national pride, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said on December 21 when hosting the national football team and head coach Park Hang-seo who have just won the trophy of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2018.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) shakes hands with head coach Park Hang-seo (Source: VNA).

PM Phuc praised head coach Park, other coaches of the national football squad, and especially the players for their efforts to bring home the victory.

Thanking for the great encouragement and support by the Government leader and Vietnamese people, Park said that the triumph belongs to not only the team but also all Vietnamese people.

 

The AFF champion is an important milestone, he said, but adding that he and the whole team are eyeing a higher target that is an Asian champion. “I and my players will try our best to achieve this target,” Park stressed.

 

The PM stated that high hope has been pinned on the national football team as well as the development of Vietnamese football.

 

He asked the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to direct the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) to make necessary preparations in terms of policies for the head coach and players so that they could have better performances at the following tournaments.

 

The General Department of Sports and Physical Training was requested to consider a legal framework for the development of sports in general and football in particular.

 

On this occasion, PM Phuc granted a Friendship Order to head coach Park Hang-seo and a first-class Labour Order to the national football team.

 

Nguyen Quang Hai, the Most Valuable Player of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018, received a second-class Labour Order, while 15 other members of the team were presented with third-class Labour Orders.

The PM also bestowed certificates of merit on 17 members of the team in recognition of their contributions to the victory.

 

At the event, Do Quang Hien, Chairman of T&T Group, announced a bonus of 3 billion VND (128,700 USD) for members of the national football team.