Olympic star Vinh receives hero’s welcome home

Hanoi (VNA) - Many people gave Hoang Xuan Vinh a hero’s welcome upon his return to Hanoi on August 14 after his Rio Olympics victory.

Crowds arrived at Noi Bai International Airport early in the evening, to await the Olympic shooter, hours before his flight landed at around 10pm.

He was also greeted by cheering fans who were arriving or departing at the airport.

Among them was Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Khanh Hai, Head of the National Sport Administration Vuong Bich Thang and representatives of the Ministry of National Defence.

Last week, Vinh, a military officer, earned one gold and one silver medal, and set a record at the ongoing Rio Games.

The 41-year-old shooter triumphed in the men’s 10m air pistol, with a record 202.5 points, and came in second in the 50m pistol.

Vinh ended Vietnam’s six-decade wait for its first Olympic gold medal. He is also the nation’s first athlete to win two medals, and the first to hold a record at an Olympics. This year has seen the best results ever for Vietnam sports at an Olympics.

Speaking with the media, Thang said Vinh was worthy to be honoured as a legend of the national sport.

He also received a congratulations letters from Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien.

“These are not only the most valuable medals for Vietnam, but also for the Southeast Asian region. It is a success for the sport, in general, and Vinh, in particular. His achievement strengthens our belief that, despite challenges, we can find suitable ways - good coaches and talented athletes - to reach high results at international competitions,” Thang said.

“Vinh’s success also helps us become more confident when stepping out at Asian and world competitions. Many Vietnamese athletes, especially the marksmen, will consider this as their goal to strive harder in their careers,” he added.-VNA