On December 1, at the multifunctional sports ground of Tran Dai Nghia Junior High School, Ngu Hanh Son District, the Viet Nam Youth Federation, the Da Nang Student Association, and Lammark Media JSC, in collaboration with the Da Nang Community Volleyball Club, officially launched the 2024 Da Nang Youth Volleyball Tournament.

Athletes compete in the tournament. Photo: PHI NONG

This tournament, one of the largest in the city, is known for its high professional standards. The matches have been thrilling and intense, attracting a large audience of players and fans, thereby promoting the sport within the community.

The event provides an exciting platform for union members, the youth, and students working in the armed forces or studying at colleges and universities across the city.

Building on the success of the previous two editions, this year’s tournament has expanded, drawing nearly 500 athletes from 25 clubs competing in both men’s and women’s categories. In the men’s category, 16 teams are divided into four groups, playing a single round-robin format. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final.

In the men's competition, Group A includes University of Architecture, Dong A University, Duy Tan University, and University of Technology and Education. Group B features Greenwich University, University of Science and Education, University of Economics, and Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy. Group C comprises Da Nang FPT University, Viet Nam-Korea University of Information and Communication Technology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy - The university of Da Nang, and City Border Guard. Group D consists of Naval Region 3, Special Police Unit No. 3 - Ministry of Public Security, University of Science and Technology, and City Police.

The women’s division features nine teams divided into two groups (E and F), competing in a round-robin format to select the top two teams from each group for the semifinals and final. Group E includes School of Medicine and Pharmacy – The university of Da Nang, Duy Tan University, University of Science and Education, Viet Nam-Korea University of Information and Communication Technology, and Tran Dai Nghia Junior High School. Group F comprises Dong A University, University of Foreign Language Studies, University of Architecture, and University of Economics.

The opening day saw lively matches. In Group B, the University of Economics defeated the Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy 2-1 after three competitive sets. This victory gave the University of Economics an edge for the second match, while their opponents need to work harder to stay in the tournament.

Phan Dinh Son, a player from the University of Economics, expressed joy over the initial victory but remained cautious about upcoming strong competitors. He affirmed the team’s focus on achieving the championship.

In Group A and Group B, Duy Tan University and the University of Science and Education also had strong starts, securing 2-0 wins over their opponents.

In the women’s matches, the University of Science and Education and Duy Tan University both achieved 2-0 victories. Dang Hang Mai Linh from Duy Tan University’s women’s team shared her excitement, highlighting the tournament as an excellent opportunity to improve her skills. After finishing third last year, her team is determined to win the championship this year.

According to Mr Nguyen Hai Truong, Head of the Da Nang Community Volleyball Club, this year’s record-high participation reflects the growing popularity of volleyball in the community. The opening day drew a large crowd of enthusiastic supporters, adding to the competitive atmosphere.

Mr Nguyen Ba Duan, Deputy Secretary of the Da Nang Youth, emphasised the significance of the tournament in encouraging youth to engage in physical activities and fostering a healthy cultural lifestyle. He added that the event serves as a platform for identifying and nurturing volleyball talent for higher-level competitions. Group stage matches will continue until December 5, followed by knockout rounds. The organisers have opened the tournament to the public, encouraging fans to attend and cheer for the teams.

Reported by PHI NONG - Translated by TRUC VY, V.DUNG