Hanoi (VNA) – The ASEAN Police Football Open 2025 opened at Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi on July 9, with the participation of eight teams from seven countries in the region and beyond.
The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, representatives of foreign diplomatic missions in Vietnam, and nearly 10,000 football fans.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang emphasised that the football tournament aims to promote the values of solidarity, discipline, dedication, and inspiration that the world’s most popular sport embodies. The event also seeks to strengthen friendship and cooperation among nations in the region and around the world, especially between Vietnam and other countries, and between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and police forces internationally.
The tournament is expected to deepen effective cooperation among police forces in maintaining public order and security, and in the fight against crime, particularly transnational crime, for peace, safety, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world at large.
He said he believes that the tournament will be a great success, offering thrilling matches and beautiful goals to fans.
The opening ceremony was marked by well-organised performances, harmoniously blending traditional and modern music, reflecting the rich cultural identities of ASEAN countries. Each performance conveyed the messages of peace, cooperation, and friendship among police and law enforcement forces.
The tournament running from July 7 to 15 is part of activities marking the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People's Public Security Force and the 20th anniversary of the All-People’s National Defence Day (August 19).
The eight teams - five from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, and Timor Leste, one from Australia, and two from Vietnam, are split into two groups and will play in a round-robin format.
The champion will receive 30,000 USD, a trophy, and gold medals. The runner-up earns 15,000 USD and silver medals, while both third-place teams will receive 10,000 USD each./.
