Vietnamese sports stars win big at AFF Awards 2019

Vietnamese midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai won the men's AFF Player of the Year, while his coach Park Hang-seo from the Republic of Korea won the men's AFF Coach of the Year.

"I'd like to say thanks to my coaching staff, teammates and fans. This prestigious award will be a big motivation for me to strive for even greater achievements in the future," said the 22-year-old Hai.

Coach Park Hang-seo (right) won the men's AFF Coach of the Year

Park, who led Vietnam national men's squads to lift the trophy at the AFF Cup 2018, AFC U-23 Championship final and Asian Cup 2019 semi-final, said his award reflected the efforts of his players and each and member of his team.

"I want to say thanks to the Vietnamese fans. They have been the source of motivation that got us to where we are today," said Park at the ceremony.

Vietnamese players were also included in the AFF Best XI at the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018: midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai, defender Que Ngoc Hai and keeper Dang Van Lam.

Tran Van Vu was named Futsal Player of the Year, but the Vietnamese squad lost out to their rivals Thailand, who won Futsal Team of the Year for the second consecutive year.

Pitsamai Sornsai of Thailand won women's AFF Player of the Year, while Suphanat Muenta, also from Thailand, won Young Player of the Year. The Thai women's team were also named National Team of the Year along with their coach Nuengruetai Srathongvian.