Vietnam U19 hold first training session in Medan ahead of tournament opener
On the afternoon of May 29, the Vietnam U19 national team held their first training session in Medan, Indonesia, continuing the final stages of preparation before beginning their campaign at the 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship.
After settling into their accommodation and recovering physically from the journey from Vietnam to Indonesia, coach Yutaka Ikeuchi and his players quickly returned to training with a high-intensity session. This was also the team’s first training session on Indonesian soil since arriving in Medan on the evening of May 28.
The session took place under rather harsh weather conditions, with temperatures reaching around 32°C. However, the similarly hot conditions experienced during the team’s recent training camp in Hanoi proved beneficial, helping the players adapt quickly to the local climate and prepare effectively for the upcoming matches.
In addition to maintaining ball control and match sharpness, the coaching staff also focused on movement-based exercises with appropriate intensity to help the players overcome fatigue from the long journey and regain their competitive rhythm as quickly as possible.
According to the coaching staff’s assessment, the entire squad showed a serious and focused attitude in training and successfully completed the planned workload. The players maintained a stable physical condition while also demonstrating enthusiasm and determination in their preparations for the tournament.
The training ground and facilities in Medan have also been evaluated as meeting professional standards, providing favorable conditions for the team to carry out its preparation plans in the remaining days before the opening match.
At the 2026 AFF U19 Championship, Vietnam U19 are drawn in Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, Myanmar and Timor-Leste. Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi’s side will face Timor-Leste on June 1, Myanmar on June 4 and Indonesia on June 7.
