Basketball

VSBL's third season returns to the city with the participation of 75 teams from high and secondary schools. Photo of VSBL

HÀ NỘI — The third Vietnam Student Basketball League sees a huge number of students from 75 schools vying for the Doppelherz Cup.

The league includes two tournaments, one for 50 high schools and one for 25 secondary schools in Hà Nội.

High school teams are divided into groups where they will compete in the preliminary stages from October 30 to November 5. The best 24 teams will advance to the group round.

The group rounds of both school levels will be organised on November 13-December 24 in the home-and-away round robin format.

The best two teams of each group will qualify for the play-off round, competing in a centralised venue which will be confirmed later, from January 6 to February 4, 2024.

The winners of the league will receive trophy, certificate and VNĐ10 million.

The two runners-up will take VNĐ5 million and VNĐ3 million, respectively.

The MVP of the VSBL will bag VNĐ1 million.

VSBL organisers pose for photos with representatives of sponsors and teams at the press conference launching the new season of student basketball.

"After the first two successful seasons, this year we are excited to welcome a large number of teams from 50 high schools and 25 secondary schools competing for the VSBL's trophies," said Nguyễn Phan Khuê, editor-in-chief of Thiếu Niên Tiền phong và Nhi Đồng (Young Pioneer and Children) Newspaper.

"With our good plan, support from sponsors and preparation from teams, we expect to have a high quality tournament and competitive matches, serving the demand of many student-athletes," said Khuê, who is also head of organising board.

Khuê also told Việt Nam News that the league was expected to spread to other cities and provinces, and soon be held nationwide.

"We plan to have a national championship where the best teams of regions will take part. Currently, there are still many issues to be addressed before we can carry out our plan. We will work hard and confirm it later," he said.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Nguyễn Mạnh Long, representative of Doppelherz, the title sponsor of VSBL, said: "Sport has a strong effect on the development of both the physique and character of people, especially students.