The 17th ASEAN University Games (AUG 17) kicked off in Pelambang , Indonesia on December 10.

The opening ceremony saw the presence of Indonesian Deputy Prime Minister H.Muhammad Jusuf Kalla and other senior officials as well as about 3,000 athletes and coaches from 11 ASEAN member nations.

Addressing the event, the Indonesian Deputy PM expressed wish that AUG 17 will help to further strengthen solidarity and mutual understanding among the region’s students and young people for a more developing ASEAN community.

After a parade of the 11 delegations, the flame of the Games was lit up, representing the enthusiasm and strength of ASEAN youths.

Spectators at the event also enjoyed an imposing firework display and unique art performances by thousands of Indonesian artists, actors and students.

AUG is held every two years by the ASEAN countries in rotation. This year’s event features 20 sports with 225 sets of medals.

The 50-strong Vietnamese delegation will compete in six sports namely track and field, swimming, table-tennis, Taekwondo, Karate and chess.

At AUG 16 held in Laos, Vietnam ranked second with 56 gold, 35 silver and 28 bronze medals.-VNA