Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính presents flowers to the Vietnamese women’s football team. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính praised the Vietnamese national women's football team for their historic participation in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, expressing his admiration during a reception held for the team in Hà Nội on Tuesday.

The PM also stressed the importance of ensuring sustainable development and enhancing the support system for players in Vietnamese women's football. He acknowledged the remarkable progress made by Việt Nam's women's football despite facing numerous challenges, as they steadily closed the gap and competed on par with top teams worldwide, leaving an indelible impression on both local and international fans.

The sight of the Vietnamese flag being raised and the national anthem being played at the World Cup filled the nation with pride and deep emotions.

The Vietnamese players exhibited unwavering determination, dedication, and resilience against opponents who possessed superior physicality, fitness, and experience. Việt Nam's presence at the World Cup exemplified the growth of Vietnamese women's football, PM Chính remarked.

However, the PM emphasised the need for Vietnamese women's football to leverage the momentum generated by the 2023 World Cup to ensure continued and sustainable development.

He underlined the importance of formulating a comprehensive and cohesive strategy for the advancement of women's football, including fostering the women's football movement within schools with the active involvement of the Ministry of Education and Training. The Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) and local authorities also strengthen coordination efforts to develop a long-term strategy for women's football.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính with the players and coaching staff of the Vietnamese women’s football team. — VNA/VNS Photo

The PM highlighted the necessity of identifying and nurturing talented players through grassroots movements and initiatives. Addressing the treatment of Vietnamese female players, he emphasised the significance of regions with strong women's football programmes continuing to invest in and prioritise improving the compensation system, recognising and promptly rewarding achievements, as well as addressing and resolving any challenges or obstacles encountered during the developmental process.

Head coach Mai Đức Chung and captain Huỳnh Như thanked leaders of the Party, State and the PM for offering support to the team. They also expressed gratitude to millions of fans at home and abroad for their warm sentiments for the team.

The players pledged that they will continue with training and maintain a higher level of determination to achieve even better results, firstly at the upcoming Asian Games 19 (ASIAD 19) set to take place in China. — VNS