Bulls on parade: Painter NOP's picture celebrating the victory of Spain against Italy in the final match of the Euro 2012 in his caricature which is on display at Trung Nguyen Cafe, 52 Hai Ba Trung Street.   Lucky strike: In painter Do Anh Dung's eyes, Spain received great support from the right pole to beat Portugal 4-2 on penalties in the Euro's semi-final round. — Photos coutersy The Thao&Van Hoa Newspaper

HA NOI — A unique painting exhibition is on display in Ha Noi featuring caricatures in celebration of the 2012 Euro.

After three weeks of the launch of the Euro Diary through Paintings contest, the organisers, the The Thao & Van Hoa (Sports & Culture) newspaper, collected about 150 works from professional and amateur painters nationwide who share a love of football.

"It is a humorous and interesting documentary demonstrating intense situations, the environment, highlights, affairs and sideline stories of all matches," said painter Ly Truc Dung, head of the judging board of the contest.

"Here symbols of the teams, their star players and coaches as well as their crazy fans are all depicted through the eyes of the painters.

"Many of them show unique ideas which surprise viewers who burst out laughing."

It was the first time such a contest was held but it was strongly supported by many painters. Among them Dung Can, Tran Huu Nhat and Huu Loc made record of entries.

"I learned about the contest a bit late but was really interested in it. It is a amazing contest which I hope will continue in the next seasons," said Loc whose finished all of his works at the first gleam of daylight when the feeling of the matches were still dancing in his mind.

He added that many of his friends in Can Tho who missed this year's chance would participate next time.

The organisers also said many young contestants sent their works to the contest. Despite this being the first competition, the paintings were of high quality. "It is the first time I took part in a caricature contest that was based in my love for football. It is a great result that I qualified for the exhibition round in my debut. It will encourage me a lot in my career," said painter Duy Hieu, one of the youngest participants.

Judge Dung hoped that from this event there would have a new generation of talented painters discovered and they would contribute a lot for the national caricature industry.

The exhibition takes place at the Trung Nguyen Cafe, 52 Hai Ba Trung Street, until tomorrow. The winner of the contest will be announce later during the 30th anniversary of the The Thao&Van Hoa newspaper in August. — VNS