vietexplorer0016

The inaugural AFL Asia Cup was hosted at the Thanh Long Sports Complex in Ho Chi Minh City’s Binh Chanh District from December 6 to 8, 2024. AFL, the governing body for Australian rules football, introduced this unique and dynamic sport to Asia, with the first tournament taking place in Vietnam. This historic event was exclusively for Asian citizens, featuring 15 teams and approximately 300 players from across ten countries and territories: Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Laos, Pakistan, and Thailand. The tournament was a free-of-charge event, welcoming spectators to witness the exciting matches and celebrate the growth of this sport in the region. The Japanese Men’s team, champions of the 2024 AFL Asia Cup, held from December 6 to 8, 2024, in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo : AFL Asia Facebook page The competition was fierce, with ten men’s teams and five women’s teams from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Thailand participating. The fin...

In 2014, the VFF and JFA embarked on a journey of mutual growth and cultural exchange by signing their first cooperation agreement. This decade-long partnership has yielded significant fruits, with the JFA providing invaluable support to its Vietnamese counterpart. One of the key strengths of this collaboration has been the introduction of seasoned experts. Notable figures include Miura Toshiya, who led the U23 and national teams with prowess; Tanabe Kazuyoshi, the executive director of the V.League, brought invaluable insights to the table. Yusuke Adachi and Takeshi Koshida, as technical directors, left a lasting impact on the VFF, and Ijiri Akira’s guidance of the U19 and U20 women’s teams was exceptional. The JFA has also facilitated numerous training and competition opportunities for Vietnamese teams in Japan, fostering growth and exposure. Additionally, their initiatives to develop grassroots football in Vietnam have sown the seeds for a brighter future. Building on this strong...

Japan has asserted its intention to counter Chinese military aggression, signaling a tougher stance on regional security matters. This shift in policy comes as no surprise given the increasing incursions by Chinese naval vessels, aircraft, and spy planes into Japanese territory, which Tokyo deems a severe threat to its sovereignty. The Japanese government, led by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, recognizes the urgency of addressing China’s military trends. In a statement, Hayashi conveyed a strong sense of crisis regarding China’s series of incursions into Japanese airspace and territorial waters. Japan is committed to taking all necessary measures to safeguard its interests and contribute to regional stability. This assertive approach aligns with the broader international support for ‘freedom of navigation’ and a rules-based international order. Bec Strating, an international relations expert, observes that Japan’s actions are consistent with a growing trend amon...

Japan Cruise to Victory Over China in World Cup Qualifier Wataru Endo and Kaoru Mitoma gave Japan a comfortable lead in their Group C clash against China, setting the tone for a dominant performance. Endo opened the scoring in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a corner opportunity after Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei denied Ritsu Doan’s header moments earlier. The Liverpool midfielder, unmarked on the play, made no mistake with a clinical header off a well-placed ball from Takefusa Kubo. Japan continued to press and create chances. Doan came close to adding a second in the 33rd minute, and Hidemasa Morita hit the side-netting just before halftime. Kaoru Mitoma, just before the break, doubled the lead with a clever header, meeting Doan’s curling center and leaving Wang helpless. The second half saw Japan continue to assert their dominance. Takumi Minamino, set free by Mitoma’s pass, extended their lead in the 52nd minute with a beautiful strike that beat Wang. Minamino secured his brac...