Check-var Sports: Que Ngoc Hai returns with memories from the "Newspaper Cup"
In the Sports Check-var program, footballer Que Ngoc Hai revealed that in 2003, he was an 11-year-old boy participating in the Nghe An Newspaper Cup Youth and Children's Football Tournament. Afterward, he was selected by Song Lam Nghe An Club. More than 20 years later, he returned to present the award to the next generation.
Once an 11-year-old boy on the Vinh City Children's Football Team competing in the Nghe An Newspaper Cup Youth and Children's Football Tournament, after more than two decades, Que Ngoc Hai returns to this arena in a completely different role. Memories of his childhood, perspectives on youth football in Nghe An, and the story behind his journey to becoming a national team player are shared by Que Ngoc Hai in the Check-var Sports program with the theme "Looking back at the 27th Nghe An Newspaper and Radio & Television Cup Youth and Children's Football Tournament 2026".
Back then, Hai played in the children's age group. Later, he was selected for the youth training system of Song Lam Nghe An Club, opening the door to his professional football career.
Returning to this year's tournament as a guest presenter, Que Ngoc Hai said he recalled many childhood memories. What impressed the 1993-born central defender the most was the noticeable improvement in the professional quality of the young players.
"I see that the young players now have better tactical thinking and their physical condition has improved significantly. The quality of the tournament and the organization this year have truly surprised me," Que Ngoc Hai shared.
Besides reflecting on his own journey, the former captain of the Vietnamese national team also spent time analyzing the highlights of this year's tournament. In the junior final between Tam Hop and Quynh Anh, he was particularly impressed by several outstanding players. Among them, the player wearing number 6 for the Tam Hop junior team left a deep impression with his ability to control the game, his passing intelligence, and his leadership role on the field.
According to Que Ngoc Hai, youth tournaments are always an important foundation for discovering and nurturing football talent. It is from playgrounds like the Nghe An Newspaper and Radio & Television Cup Youth Football Tournament that many famous Vietnamese football players have been discovered and developed.
"Every player has to start from the youth teams and youth leagues. Those are the first steps on the path to becoming a professional player," he remarked.
Also in the program, Que Ngoc Hai shared his perspective on current youth training, the development opportunities for young Vietnamese players in the modern football environment, as well as the aspiration to reach the big stages of Vietnamese football.
Memorable images from the matches, the triumphant moments of the two champions in the Junior and Children's categories of the 2026 Nghe An Newspaper and Radio & Television Cup, and the emotions on the field are vividly recreated in the Check-var Sports program with the theme "Looking Back". The 27th Nghe An Newspaper and Radio & Television Cup Youth and Children's Football Tournament 2026 will be broadcast at 9:05 PM on Thursday, June 18, 2026, on NTV and the digital platforms of Nghe An Newspaper and Radio & Television.
With a duration of 15 minutes, the "Check-var Sports" talk show, produced by Nghe An Newspaper and Broadcasting Station, will provide a multi-faceted perspective on prominent events, issues, and stories in sports in general, with a focus on football in Nghe An and Song Lam Nghe An Football Club. Each episode features a conversation with a guest, who may be a player, coach, expert, sports manager, or someone with extensive practical experience. "Check-var Sports" airs at 9:05 PM every Thursday on NTV channel and the digital platforms of Nghe An Newspaper and Broadcasting Station.
