Gymnastics athlete Pham Nhu Phuong practices for SEA Games 31 (Photo: VNA) In more than two years, the sport sector in general suffered the COVID-19 blow. Most of the teams were unable to train and compete abroad.
When the pandemic outbreaks were at their peaks acrosslocalities, drastic and suitable directions were promptly made. Currently, thesituation has been placed under control, with normal activities resumed.
According to head coach Pham Anh Tuan of the nationalfencing team, significant efforts were made to keep all members of the squadfree from the novel coronavirus during 2019 – 2021.
It was a really hard process; and there were "closed"phases when coaches and athletes practiced together in an almost completelyclosed environment, he added.
Tuan said to prepare for SEA Games 31, the fencing teamcurrently has 24 outstanding members to compete in 12 events towards the goalof winning at least three gold medals.
Meanwhile, the coach of the national women's wrestling team,Nguyen Huy Ha, said the athletes are practicing advanced technique – tactic exercisesand are in a stable psychological state. The six-member squad is eyeing 4-5 goldmedals, Ha noted.
According to head coach of the national Taekwondo team VuAnh Tuan, the team recently trained in the Republic of Korea for a month,then returned to Ho Chi Minh City to attend a tournament.
Currently, they are practicing hard towards SEA Games 31, targetingat least three gold medals, Tuan said.
SEA Games 31, themed “For a Stronger South East Asia”, willbe held in the capital city of Hanoi and 11 neighbouring provinces and citiesfrom May 12 to 23.
Featuring 40 sports with 526 events, it is expected toattract around 10,000 participants. The biennial event was initially slated forlate 2021 but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic./.
VNA
