Jakarta, 15 July, 2025 – Ahead of the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, head coach Kim Sang Sik expressed his excitement and pride as he prepares to lead U23 Vietnam for the first time in a regional tournament. He also emphasized the team’s determination to defend their title.
Speaking at the official pre-tournament press conference on July 15 in Indonesia, Coach Kim said he was honored to accompany U23 Vietnam in a competition where the team has previously won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023. The Korean coach acknowledged the legacy adds some pressure but also serves as strong motivation.
“I’m very happy to be here with the team. U23 Vietnam has been champion twice before, so naturally there is some pressure. However, we will give our best, train hard, and aim to achieve the best possible result in this tournament,” Kim Sang Sik shared.
Born in 1976, Coach Kim stressed that his team will approach every match with maximum focus and professionalism. “We treat every match as if it were a final. The team spirit is clear: we will fight with the highest level of determination in each game.”
When asked about the strongest contenders, Kim pointed to Thailand and host nation Indonesia. “Thailand has players with excellent individual technique, while Indonesia stands out with strong physicality. These are both very tough teams, and they will be serious challengers for the championship.”
At the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, U23 Vietnam is placed in Group B alongside U23 Laos and U23 Cambodia. Under Coach Kim Sang Sik, the team is not only aiming to retain their title but also building toward the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers this September and SEA Games 33 at the end of the year.
U23 Vietnam will play their opening match against U23 Laos at 5:00 PM (Vietnam time) on July 19. They will close the group stage with a match against U23 Cambodia at 8:00 PM on July 22.
With momentum from two consecutive championships and a renewed tactical vision under Coach Kim, U23 Vietnam enters the tournament with high expectations and the clear goal of defending their regional dominance.
Lam Van – Dang Long
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