Hanoi (VNA) – The 9th Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championship officially kicked off on June 8 in Hanoi with the participation of 316 athletes and coaches from 14 countries and territories.
The athletes will compete in 18 categories for 68 sets of medals available in men's and women's singles and doubles, mixed doubles, teams of three and five and aerobic dance in three age groups of 12-14; 15-17 and over 18.
Vietnam have 68 members, including 51 athletes, who compete in all the 18 categories.
Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports Do Dinh Hong said that the tournament is organised to give professional athletes opportunities to compete, improve their quality, and sharpen their competition mind. It is also to promote the development of aerobics movement in Asia in general and Vietnam in particular.
"Under the spirit “Sport - Solidarity - Friendship” among countries around the world, this is an opportunity for us to introduce to international friends the image and people of Vietnam and Hanoi," he noted.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Yagi Kitagawa Tammy, Aerobic Gymnastics Technical Committee President of the International Gymnastics Federation, appreciated the efforts of Vietnam in developing aerobics for years.
Vietnam also showed its hospitality and experience in organising major events in the region, she said.
The championship, featuring a record number of participants, will last until June 10./.
