Vietnam PM commends Korean football coach, assistants
Vietnam’s Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has awarded commendations to U22 football coach Kim Sang Sik and three assistants for their role in winning the men’s gold medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism said on Monday.
Coach Kim Sang Sik. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre
Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra signed Decision No. 780 granting the awards to Kim and assistants Yoon Dong Hun, Lee Jung Soo, and Lee Won Jae, the ministry said.
The coaching staff members, all South Korean, were recognized for leading Vietnam's U22 team to victory at the SEA Games 33 tournament in Thailand in 2025.
Vietnam defeated Laos and Malaysia in the group stage, beat the Philippines in the semifinals, and overcame hosts Thailand in the final to secure the gold medal.
Vietnam players lift coach Kim Sang Sik as they celebrate after defeating Thailand in the men’s football final at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, December 18, 2025. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre
The ministry said the result marked progress for the country's young players and reaffirmed Vietnam's position in regional football.
Following the SEA Games, Kim continued to lead the side, competing as the U23 team, to a bronze medal at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup.
Kim, who took charge of Vietnamese football in May 2024, also guided the national team to the 2024 ASEAN Championship title and qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup finals.
Bao Anh - Ngoc Le / Tuoi Tre News
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