The 16 th ASEAN University Games (AUG) officially started at the National Stadium in Vientiane, Laos, on December 12.

Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong and many senior Lao officials joined about 2,500 university athletes and officials from 11 ASEAN countries at an impressive opening ceremony under the theme “We are ASEAN family”.

Addressing the ceremony, Lao Minister of Education and Sports Phankham Viphavanh gave a warm welcome to guests and athletes to the AUG, which was held in Laos for the first time. He emphasised the spirit of AUG, which is solidarity, mutual understanding among ASEAN youth, contributing to the friendship of ASEAN people.

The minister affirmed that Laos will provider favarouble conditions for all athletes and other officials during the event.

The AUG 16 will see 11 teams compete in 17 sports for 245 sets of medals. Vietnam has sent 258 athletes to the competitions.-VNA