Martial arts still a gold mine for Vietnam at ASIAD 2018

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 fighting for gold in this year’s Asian Games 2018 (ASIAD 2018), which will take place in Indonesia from August 18 to September 2.

In the past two years, Vietnam has won two gold medals, both in the ring. This year they hope to go one better.

Martial arts have always been the shining light of the games, and this year is no 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 for Vietnam.

Among the team, 20-year-old Nguyen Thi Ngoan, is a hot favourite to earn top spot 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, Nguyen Thi 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, held on May 26 (two in Poomsae performance and one in sparring), it’s hoped this year they will follow suit.

Head coach of taekwondo team Nguyen Thanh Huy said this is the first time sparring 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 will require more creation this year, and other nations and territories like the Republic of Korea, Iran, and Chinese Taipei put strong investment in this tourney.

Another event which Vietnam hopes to win gold is pencat silak.

Finally, the nation also put all hopes in wushu, with responsibility on the shoulders of “golden girl” Duong Thuy Vi, who excels in spear and sword events.

Martial arts are scheduled to be held from August 19 to September 1.

The Vietnamese delegation to ASIAD 2018 consists of 532 members, including 352 athletes. It aims to snatch a minimum of three gold medals, with at least one in an Olympic sports category.

 The Games will be officially held in two major cities of Indonesia – Jakarta and Palembang – from August 18 to September 2, with the participation of athletes from 45 countries and territories.

 At the previous Games, Vietnam pocketed one gold, 10 silver, and 25 bronze medals, ranking 21st in the medal standings. –VNA