Striker Nguyễn Đình Bắc (centre) competing in the ASEAN Cup 2026. Bắc is nominated for Best Male Player of the Year in the Victory Cup 2026. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The 2026 Victory Cup has been officially launched, with the nation's top sportsmen and women set to vie for Best Athlete of the Year and other awards.

The organising board on November 3 announced awards in 11 categories that are up for grabs, and opened the voting portal to the public.

Sports Authority of Việt Nam Director Nguyễn Danh Hoàng Việt said: “In the 10th season, a significant milestone, we have made thorough preparations and investments, actively pursuing innovations to achieve a new level of quality and effectiveness for the cup, which is considered the Oscar of Vietnamese sport.

"A 17-member council – comprising respected administrators, experts and journalists – will employ a rigorous process, clear criteria and a professional approach to ensure that the most deserving individuals and teams will be honoured.”

He added that the cup is expected to continue spreading positive values, encouraging coaches and athletes to work hard, dedicate themselves and reach new heights in Vietnamese sports.

For the Best Male Player of the Year, talented young striker Nguyễn Đình Bắc is one of the most promising candidates. He played a big role in Việt Nam's 2026 ASEAN Cup victory and earned two individual awards of MVP and Top Scorer.

Bắc will vie for the trophy against wushu fighter Đinh Văn Tâm (Asian Games silver medallist), weightlifter Trần Minh Trí (Asian Games bronze) and runner Tạ Ngọc Tưởng (Asian U23 Championship silver).

Candidates for Best Female Player of the Year include Trần Thị Ngọc Yến (two-time Asian Games sepak takraw gold medallist), wushu performer Dương Thúy Vi (Asian Games bronze), karateka Nguyễn Thị Diệu Ly (Asian Games bronze), boxer Nguyễn Thị Tâm (Asian Games silver) and canoeist Nguyễn Hồng Thái (Asian Championships gold and silver, Asian Games silver).

As for the Young Player of the Year award, nominees are wrestler Lò Thị Hồng (world youth championship gold), Bùi Ngọc Nhi (two Asian Games golds) and weightlifter Thạch Hoàng Sang (three Asian junior golds).

Nguyễn Danh Hoàng Việt, director of the Sports Authority of Việt Nam, speaks at the launch of the 2026 Victory Cup. Photo courtesy of Vietcontent

"I am honoured to be nominated for Best Coach of the Year. It is a great award that recognises our labour and contribution through the year," coach Trần Thị Vui of the sepak takraw team told Việt Nam News.

Vui and her athletes won two gold medals at the recent Asian Games, after bagging one gold and two silvers at the world championships.

"I hope supporters will vote for my team members, and I would be really happy if I win the trophy personally," Vui said.

Organisers also revealed candidates in other categories, including the Best Team of the Year, Best Teammates of the Year, Best Coach of the Year, Favourite Athlete of the Year and Lifetime Award. 

A total of VNĐ750 million (US$29,000) in prize money will be awarded to the winners. 

Fans can visit the portal at https://binhchon.cupchienthang.vn/ or https://cupchienthang.vn/ to cast their votes. 

The 2026 Victory Cup awards gala is scheduled to take place in mid-January 2027, and will be broadcast live via the VTVcab network and various digital platforms. — VNS