(KPL) On 24 September, the Government of Japan donated over 400 football training wear to the Lao Football Federation with the cooperation of the Japan Football Association (JFA). 

The handover ceremony took place at the Lao Football Federation (LFF) Headquarters in Vientiane. 

Sport For Tomorrow (SFT) is an international contribution-through-sport initiative jointly implemented by Japanese public and private sectors.

SFT aims to share the values of sport to people of all generations around the world including developing countries, for a better future for the world. 

Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador of Japan to Laos Mr. Tsutomu Kiizumi highlighted the significance of the unique power of sports to bring people, nations, and communities closer together over their shared passions.

He also expressed his hope to further strengthen the Laos-Japan relationship through cultural and people-to-people exchanges, as the two countries will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2025.

Mr. Viphet Sihachakr, President of the Lao Football Federation, extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Koizumi, and expressed gratitude to the strong cooperative relationship between LFF and JFA since 2011. 

He also introduced LFF’s recent efforts on promoting grassroots activities to make football accessible to Lao students throughout the country, enabling them to learn life skills through football training.

Ms. Nayuha Toyoda, Head Coach of Laos Women's National Team, also expressed appreciation to the long-standing friendship and cooperation between LFF and JFA, and emphasized her mission in Laos, which is to unleash the talent of young athletes in this country. 

She further mentioned that her team is currently preparing for an international match scheduled to be held in Laos later this year. 

The donated football wear will be distributed to grassroots football teams in elementary schools across Laos, benefiting communities in numerous provinces. The Lao Football Federation will organize activities and utilize special occasions like AFC Grassroots Football Day and AFC Women’s Football Day to facilitate the distribution.

KPL