Hai Phong, Vietnam: Vietnam’s stunning upset victory in the 30th Asia-Pacific Amateur Team Championship is a cause for celebration among the region’s golfing fraternity.
“This is a proud day for golf in Vietnam and a proud day also for the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC),” said Taimur Hassan Amin, Chairman of the APGC, the region’s ruling body for amateur golf.
Speaking at the 2024 Nomura Cup closing ceremony on Friday evening, Amin said: “Congratulations to the Vietnam team. That was a truly incredible performance, especially considering it’s only the second time that Vietnam has competed in the Nomura Cup, and the first time it’s hosted the event.
“It’s also a great day for us in the APGC where we have a new champion country with a great golfing future."
With a combined age of 47, the Vietnamese trio of Nguyen Anh Minh (17), Le Khanh Hung (16) and Ho Anh Huy (14) defied the odds to triumph at Vinpearl Hai Phong.
Vietnam is only the eighth nation to have its name inscribed on the famous trophy, donated by former Japan Golf Association Vice President Shun Nomura in 1963.
Since its inception 61 years ago, the tournament has been dominated by Australia and Japan, each of whom have emerged triumphant on 10 occasions.
Chinese Taipei have been victorious five times, while Korea, New Zealand, India and Thailand are the only other countries to have won the team title.
Reflecting on the week in Hai Phong, Amin said: “I take this opportunity to congratulate Secretary-General Vu Nguyen, Tournament Director Bach Cuong Khang and the entire Vietnam Golf Association team – not only for their outstanding organisation of the 30th Nomura Cup, but for all they have done to promote and develop golf in this beautiful country.”
Meanwhile, Amin said he’d donate a trophy to be awarded to the low amateur at the Nomura Cup.
When Amin won the individual title in Kuala Lumpur in 1977, he was presented with a replica of the Nomura Cup trophy.
“We’ve never had a running trophy to present to the low amateur. As Chairman of the APGC and a past winner of the individual title, I would like to donate a trophy for the winner and call it ‘The Chairman’s Trophy’,” said Amin, who singled out Anh Minh, this year’s individual winner, for special praise.
“He’s an outstanding talent with great composure. We look forward to seeing him flourish in the years ahead,” said Amin.
