Nguyen Thi Ngoan (right) is one of the best hopes for Vietnam in martial arts (Photo: zing.vn) Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s martial arts are fightingfor gold in this year’s Asian Games 2018 (ASIAD 2018), which will take place inIndonesia from August 18 to September 2.
In the past two years, Vietnam has won two gold medals, both in the ring. Thisyear they hope to go one better.
Martial arts have always been the shining light of the games, and this year isno exception.
In total, Vietnam has won 11 gold medals, seven of those in this discipline.
Four of those were in karatedo, two in taekwondo and one in wushu.
This time, around all eyes are on the Karatedo team to carry the flag forVietnam.
Among the team, 20-year-old Nguyen Thi Ngoan, is a hot favourite to earn topspot as she’s currently ranked number one in the world in the 60-61kg category.
In the under 68kg category, Ho Thi Thu Hien is another hope, and in 69kg, NguyenThi Hong Anh is expected to do well.
Meanwhile, karatedo and taekwondo are both hoping for a gold each.
After Nguyen Thi Kim Tuyen won three gold in Asian Taekwondo Champs 2018, heldon May 26 (two in Poomsae performance and one in sparring), it’s hoped thisyear they will follow suit.
Head coach of taekwondo team Nguyen Thanh Huy said this is the first timesparring is added to ASIAD.
“All athletes are determined to bring glory to the nation,” Huy said.
“We have a good foundation though the International Taekwondo Federation willrequire more creation this year, and other nations and territories like theRepublic of Korea, Iran, and Chinese Taipei put strong investment in thistourney.
Another event which Vietnam hopes to win gold is pencat silak.
Finally, the nation also put all hopes in wushu, with responsibility on theshoulders of “golden girl” Duong Thuy Vi, who excels in spear and swordevents.
Martial arts are scheduled to be held from August 19 to September 1.
The Vietnamese delegation to ASIAD 2018 consists of 532 members, including 352athletes. It aims to snatch a minimum of three gold medals, with at least onein an Olympic sports category.
The Games will beofficially held in two major cities of Indonesia – Jakarta and Palembang – fromAugust 18 to September 2, with the participation of athletes from 45 countriesand territories.
At the previousGames, Vietnam pocketed one gold, 10 silver, and 25 bronze medals, ranking 21stin the medal standings. –VNA
