Carrying the hopes of Vietnamese sports fans, the athletes are embarking on their journey to Asia’s largest sporting event, determined to perform to the best of their ability and achieve the highest possible results.
Ahead of the departure of their flight, a send-off ceremony was held at Noi Bai International Airport in a warm and formal atmosphere.
Leading this first group was Nguyen Hong Minh, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports Authority and head of the Vietnamese delegation at the 20th ASIAD.
After months of training and preparation, the athletes are ready to compete in the Games. Encouragement and well-wishes from sports officials and relevant organizations have given the delegation an added boost ahead of what are expected to be fiercely contested events.
Director of the Vietnam Sports Authority Nguyen Danh Hoang Viet speaks at the farewell ceremony. (Photo: Thai Duong)
Speaking at the ceremony, Director of the Vietnam Sports Authority Nguyen Danh Hoang Viet urged the delegation to take care of their health, maintain team unity, respect the host country's laws, and compete with maximum determination. He also expressed his hope that each member would help promote a positive image of Vietnam and its people to the international community.
Vietnam’s sports delegation will travel to Japan in several groups, as their competition schedules vary. Travel arrangements have been made in accordance with each team’s preparation programme and the organizers’ regulations.
Members of the shooting, karate, rowing, wushu and canoeing teams will depart in stages on September 15 and 16.
The 21-strong shooting team left Vietnam on September 15. On September 16, the main group of 10 karate team members is scheduled to depart alongside delegation officials and members of several other Vietnamese teams, while four other karate team members have separate travel arrangements. A further 25 members of the sepak takraw team are expected to leave for Japan on September 18.
Shooting, karate and sepak takraw are among the sports expected to contribute to Vietnam’s medal tally, having collectively secured three gold medals at the 19th Asian Games. At this year’s Games, Vietnam has set a target of winning at least four gold medals.
The Vietnamese sports delegation’s journey to ASIAD 20 officially began at Noi Bai Airport on the night of September 15. Ahead lie challenging contests against Asia’s leading athletes, but also opportunities for Vietnamese competitors to demonstrate their abilities and make their mark after months of preparation.
Determined to do their best, the Vietnamese delegation aims to achieve its goals at ASIAD 20 and bring home successes that will make the nation proud.
