Dinh Bac and U23 Vietnam were honored at a prestigious awards ceremony.

U23 Vietnam and forward Nguyen Dinh Bac were honored at the 20th Gong Hien Awards, acknowledging an impressive year of play and many outstanding marks of Vietnamese youth football in regional and continental arenas.

On the evening of April 15th at the Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Labor Culture Palace, the 20th Gong Hien Awards ceremony took place in a solemn atmosphere with the theme "For a Brilliant Vietnam," gathering numerous central delegates, leaders from the culture-sports sector, artists, athletes, and fans. The event not only honored artistic values but also acknowledged the prominent achievements of Vietnamese sports in a year of competition marked by many positive developments.

In the sports category, the 20th Gong Hien Awards continued to emphasize the spreading role of collectives and individuals who made significant contributions to the nation's sports life. With a diverse awards system, this year's event incorporated both professional evaluations from the selection council and public participation, thereby more comprehensively reflecting the influence of sports achievements in society.

A notable highlight was the "Sports Achievement of the Year" award given to the U23 Vietnam national team. Representing the team, coach Kim Sang Sik went up to receive the award, acknowledging the impressive competitive journey of the young players over the past year, particularly the feat of winning the SEA Games 33 gold medal after a performance showcasing resilience and consistency against regional opponents.

The success of U23 Vietnam is not limited to just one title; it also clearly demonstrates the long-term development direction of Vietnamese football in youth training. A disciplined playing style, team cohesion, and tactical adaptability helped the team solidify its position in the region, while also laying an important foundation for further goals on the continental stage.

In the individual category, forward Nguyen Dinh Bac was honored as the "Young Sports Face of the Year." The 2004-born player made a strong impression with his outstanding performance at the 2026 U23 Asian Cup Finals, where he scored 4 goals, provided 2 assists, and won the Top Scorer title, thereby becoming one of the most outstanding figures of the tournament.

The 20th Gong Hien Awards event was not only an occasion to recognize achievements but also reflected the transformation of Vietnamese sports towards youthfulness and integration. The honors bestowed upon U23 Vietnam and Nguyen Dinh Bac show the correct investment in the next generation, while opening expectations for a new phase of development, where young talents continue to play a central role in elevating the nation's sports stature.