ANTD.VN – On the bright autumn morning of October 26, 2025, under sunshine and crisp Hanoi air, nearly 3,000 student players, along with hundreds of teachers, classmates, and supporters from 125 Upper Secondary schools across the city, gathered for the opening ceremony of the 24th Hanoi Upper Secondary School Football Championship – An Ninh Thủ Đô (Capital Security) Cup 2025,” sponsored by Number 1 Active. The event took place at the Xuân Đỉnh Cultural, Information, and Sports Center Stadium.
Distinguished guests and warm celebrations
The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of distinguished guests and leaders, including Colonel Nguyễn Ngọc Quyền, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Deputy Director of the Hanoi Police Department; Ms. Vương Hương Giang, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training and Co-Chair of the Organizing Committee; Mr. Kiều Thanh Hùng, Standing Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Journalists Association; Mr. Tô Văn Động, Chairman of the Hanoi Football Federation; Mr. Nguyễn Ngọc Thanh, Head of the Online Edition of Nhân Dân (People)Newspaper; Mr. Lại Bá Hà, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Hà Nội Mới (New Hanoi) Newspaper; Ms. Vũ Thu Hương, Communications Director of Tân Hiệp Phát Group – the tournament’s main sponsor; along with representatives from supporting organizations such as Động Lực Corporation, Thành Nam Construction Consulting JSC, NK Media, Hanoi Football Club among many others.
Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Bình – Editor-in-Chief of An ninh Thủ đô (Capital Security Newspaper) and Head of the Organizing Committee – raised the championship trophy together with Ms. Vũ Phương Thanh – Brand Ambassador of Number 1 under Tân Hiệp Phát Group (Photo: Thuần Thư).
A remarkable legacy of passion and perseverance
In his opening speech, Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Bình, Editor-in-Chief of An Ninh Thủ Đô (Capital Security)Newspaper and Head of the Organizing Committee, shared an inspiring anecdote:
“I asked Artificial Intelligence via ChatGPT two questions. The first was: ‘Is there any local grassroots football tournament with more than 100 participating teams?’ The first answer was this very championship – the Hanoi Upper Secondary School Football Tournament – An Ninh Thủ Đô Cup.
The second question was: ‘Is there any grassroots football tournament that has been held continuously for 25 years?’ ChatGPT paused for over 30 seconds before naming three: a youth tournament in Sweden, another in Australia, and third—our very own Hanoi Upper Secondary School Championship.”
Mr. Bình went on to emphasize that maintaining a grassroots tournament for a quarter of a century reflects the enduring dedication of generations of An Ninh Thủ Đô (Capital Security) staff, as well as the steadfast support from sponsors and partners. He extended heartfelt thanks to the main sponsor Number 1 Active (Tân Hiệp Phát Group), the Silver Sponsor VinGroup, and supporting partners Động Lực Corporation, Thành Nam Construction Consulting JSC, PetroVietnam, and NK Media, the tournament’s broadcast sponsor.
A legacy of collaboration and community
The Organizing Committee also expressed gratitude to the Department of Education and Training, Department of Culture and Sports, and Hanoi Police Department (especially the Riot Police Division and the Police Hospital), as well as the Hanoi Football Federation, and school administrators across the city or their unwavering support through the years.
A festival of youth and fair play
125 teams participated in the 2025 season (Photo: Thuần Thư).
Immediately after the ceremony, the first matches of the 2025 season began, igniting the stadium with excitement and cheers. Xuân Đỉnh Stadium transformed into a vibrant festival of colors, where the passion and youthful energy of thousands of Hanoi students came alive under the banner of fair play and sportsmanship.
A few moments captured at the opening ceremony:
| Number 1 Active – fueling a generation of positive energy Since 2017, Tân Hiệp Phát Group, through its Number 1 Active brand, has proudly accompanied the tournament, bringing renewed energy and vitality to the city’s most anticipated school sporting event. Beyond brand promotion, the partnership embodies Tân Hiệp Phát’s long-held philosophy: “Live Responsibly – Live Actively.” Through this collaboration, Number 1 Active continues to inspire young people to stay physically and mentally strong, push beyond their limits, and live confidently — true to its spirit of “Be Active Every Moment.” More than a game – a cultural symbol of Hanoi youth Over the years, the Hanoi Upper Secondary School Football Championship – An Ninh Thủ Đô (Cup has transcended the boundaries of sport to become a cultural hallmark of Hanoi’s student life. It is a place where youthful energy flourishes, sportsmanship is celebrated, and the message of positive living is shared across generations. |
