Over a decade of development, the event has grown beyond a sporting playground into a shared community legacy and spiritual asset for Vietnamese residents in the city-state.

In his address at the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Tran Phuoc Anh said the annual event supports physical exercise, social exchange and community cohesion, while also carrying cultural significance linked to the Hung Kings, contributing to national pride and a sense of connection to Vietnam. He added that the embassy will continue to support activities that strengthen community bonds and preserve cultural identity.

This year’s tournament marked its largest edition to date, bringing together around 350 athletes competing in five sports: men’s football, badminton, tennis, chess and pickleball, across more than 12 events with over 50 prizes.

Organisers said expanded cooperation with local sports and educational institutions has helped improve the quality of the event and project a positive image of the Vietnamese community in Singapore. Representatives of the embassy and affiliated agencies also joined athletes in a push-up exercise at the opening ceremony, highlighting close links between the embassy and the community.

First launched in 2014 from friendly football matches marking the Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day, the “Hung Vuong Open” has developed into a leading community sports event for Vietnamese in Singapore.

On the same day, the fourth Siheung City Open Vietnamese futsal tournament was held in Siheung, Gyeonggi province, the Republic of Korea (RoK), under the auspices of the Vietnamese Embassy.

The tournament drew strong participation from players, supporters and members of the Vietnamese community, with 16 teams competing, including Bac Trung Nam FC, Xu Nghe Korea, Ajou FC, Daejeon FC and Vietnam Siheung FC.

Le Van Huy, Chairman of the Vietnamese association in Siheung, said the tournament has maintained its appeal over four editions while steadily improving in organisation and quality, becoming a meaningful annual activity that contributes to a healthy and connected community.

Chu Quang Duong, head of the Vietnam EPS labour management office in the RoK, said the event demonstrates the vitality of the Vietnamese community, helping promote solidarity, preserve cultural identity and maintain links with the homeland.

Kim Byeong Seon, representing guest delegates from Siheung city, praised efforts to sustain the tournament and described it as a valuable platform for cultural exchange, expressing hope for its continued growth.

As the Vietnamese community in the RoK continues to grow, such activities help connect the community, support integration and contribute to the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the RoK.

Cultural, sports activities to commemorate Hung Kings

A series of cultural, sport and tourism events will be held from April 9 – 18 in the northern province of Phu Tho to commemorate Hung Kings - the legendary founders of the nation.