Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnamese athletes, with a completely revamped lineup, have set a new national record and secured a bronze medal in the mixed 4x400m relay event at the first Asian Relay Championship on May 20 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The squad grouped the senior and junior athletes of Nguyen Xuan Quang, Le Thi Tuyet Mai, Le Ngoc Phuc and Quach Thi Lan, who were against eight strong teams in the event.
At first, Indian and Sri Lankan runners sped up and set up a distance with the rest.
Freshman Quang, who ran in lane four, could not catch up with them and came in sixth in the first leg. Mai, also for the first time at a major international tournament, did it better. She moved Vietnam's placement up to No 4 after two legs.
The key run went to Phuc, Vietnam’s 400m silver medalist. His amazing sprint helped him past Kazakhstani rival to enter top three.
The baton was given to former Asian 400m hurdles champion Quach Thi Lan, who successfully maintained the position till the end.
India topped the podium with a time of 3min 14.12sec. Sri Lanka came second at 3:17.00.
Vietnam finished third clocking 3:18.45, setting a new national record. The old one was 3:19.50 set at the 30th SEA Games in 201 in Manila, the Philippines.
Coach Dang Van Thanh said his team prepared carefully for the tournament, deserving the bronze. Phuc was in good condition and a comfortable mind leading to his remarkable run.
The team received 2,000 USD from the organisers and 30 million VND (1,200 USD) from the Vietnam Athletics Federation. On May 21, they are set to compete in the finals of the women's 4x100m and 4x400m and men's 4x400m events./.
