Hanoi, (VNA) – After a successful 2018, managers and fans are brimming withhope that Vietnam’s sportsmen and women will obtain more international successesthis year.
Achievements come oneafter another
Theyear 2018 began with a historic achievement, with the U23 national men’sfootball team finishing second at the 2018 Asian Football ConfederationChampionship in China in January. This was Vietnam’s highest ever finish at acontinental-level football tournament.
Next,the Olympic team qualified for the semi-finals of the 2018 Asian Games (ASIAD18), losing out to eventual winners the Republic of Korea.
Thecrown came in December, as Vietnam finished the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF)Suzuki Cup at the first place for the first time in 10 years.
Themen’s football teams won praise from around the world, largely thanks to thegrit they showed against heavyweights like Australia, Qatar and Japan.
Inthe year, Vietnam also held the 8th National Sports Festival, with theparticipation of more than 7,000 athletes across the nation. A total of 48national records were set in athletics, archery, shooting, swimming, diving andweightlifting.
Ministerof Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien said the event shows thequality of sport development in each locality, sector and the whole nation.
Reachinginternational level
In2019, the sports sector will work to improve results in key sports towards highachievements at the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 30) and the 10thASEAN Para Games in the Philippines, the first World Beach Games in the US, thequalifying rounds for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games and other events.
Inmen’s football, national teams of different age groups have ambitious goals ofqualifying for continental and international events, with the 2020 TokyoOlympics a particular focus.
Regardinginternational cooperation, the sector will focus on the implementation ofagreements signed and enhance ties with other ASEAN nations and sportingpowerhouses like China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the US.-VNA