Water Resources University: The most all-around champion of the THACO Student Sports Cup
A resounding 4-0 victory against Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry helped Thuy Loi University become the most comprehensive champion in the history of the Vietnam Youth and Student Football Tournament (TNSV THACO Cup).
Water Resources University fulfills its ambition to bring the trophy home.
"Strive your best to return to Hanoi with the championship trophy," that was both the mission and the aspiration that Mr. Nguyen Trung Viet, Rector of the University of Water Resources, conveyed to the players before their departure to Nha Trang for the final round of the 4th Vietnam Youth and Student Football Tournament - 2026 THACO Cup (TNSV THACO Cup 2026).
The aspirations of coach Nguyen Trung Viet, or coach Vu Van Trung, are also the hopes of many players from the Water Resources University. The red-shirted team has twice come close to glory, but ultimately missed out due to a lack of luck. "In football, playing well is a necessary condition; sometimes, to win the championship, you also need luck," coach Vu Van Trung once shared after finishing second for the second time.
However, the coach of the Water Resources University team also emphasized: "We create our own luck. We must continue to try our best and not give up. Water Resources University will strive to win the position we rightfully deserve."
That motto became a guiding principle, so on the training ground, from key players like Nguyen Hoang Danh, Tran Duc Hoan, Tran Bao Trung, Bui Xuan Truong to newcomers like Duong Phu Manh, Nguyen Van Cuong... everyone had to give their all. Sweat on the "training ground" was exchanged for tears on the podium of glory. The football field of the Water Resources University bore the burden of the difficult days for Mr. Vu Van Trung's students, from training sessions under the scorching heat and bone-chilling cold, to the agonizing sadness of defeats that could crush the will of any team.
The Water Resources University chose not to stop, but to move forward. "We must be stronger, more passionate. Only those with enough passion are here," Coach Vu Van Trung said before their departure.
The Hanoi University of Water Resources has lived up to its promises, becoming the most comprehensive champion in the history of the THACO Student Football Cup. The Hanoi team defeated Dong Thap University (3-0), drew with Ho Chi Minh City University of Education and Dong Nai University of Technology (both 0-0) in the group stage. Then, when the knockout round arrived, the Hanoi University of Water Resources unleashed its devastating power.
The Water Resources University crushed the defending champions Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism (4-0), Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (3-0), and Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry (4-0). Throughout the tournament, Duc Hoan and his teammates scored 14 goals (the most in history), conceded none (the fewest in history), and won the most matches in a single final round (4 matches). The Water Resources University not only won, but won beautifully, with captivating and visually appealing attacking football.
The Water Resources University has fulfilled its promise to bring the trophy home, but the journey doesn't end there.
Next week, as the reigning champion of the 2026 THACO Student Football Cup, the Water Resources University will compete in the 2026 International Student Youth Football Tournament. Coach Vu Van Trung is not only playing for the honor of his university, but also fighting for the national flag.
For coach Vu Van Trung, it's a pressure, but also an honor that the Water Resources University will seize to affirm its dominance as the most superior school football institution.
With a team that has reached its peak after years of accumulated experience, and fueled by the excitement of a perfect tournament in terms of both results and gameplay, the Water Resources University is a strong contender for the championship at the international level, ready to face any opponent.
"We will play offensively and are determined to win against every opponent," goalkeeper Duong Phu Manh shared.
And on their journey back next April, the Water Resources University may be carrying more than just a trophy.