Addressing the opening ceremony, Minister Counselor Le Quang Anh at the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia noted that the tournament was of great significance as it was organised immediately after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Vietnam.
He went on to express hope that the tournament would be held successfully, providing an opportunity for all teams to strengthen solidarity.
This year's event that aims to celebrate the 20th anniversary of establishment of the Vietnamese Association in Russia is the largest of its kind so far as it has attracted the participation of 16 teams, including nearly 550 players and coaches.
The best eight teams will progress through to the knock-out stages.
The tournament opened with a 2-2 draw between defending champions Friends FC and Phuong Dong FC. Later on the same day saw Thanh Nien Moskva FC trounce Hai Phong FC 6-1.
