Head of Việt Nam delegation, Trần Văn Lam raises flag at the sending-off ceremony of the team in competition at the 13th ASEAN Schools Games in Đà Nẵng city on June 1-7. Photo courtesy of Lê Lâm

ĐÀ NẴNG — Việt Nam’s 189-strong team want to finish in the top three in the medal tally at the13th ASEAN Schools Games (ASG).

They are among 1,300 athletes and coaches from sports delegations of 10 regional countries, heading off to the games, under the banner of friendship and fairness and a motto of – Connect to shine bright.

The head of the Việt Nam delegation, Trần Văn Lam said at the sending-off ceremony, that the team will do all it can to win, but under the umbrella of friendly competition.

“We have collected the best 137 athletes from national and regional competitions to build a strong squad, competing in tough games against regional contenders. The team have been given top priorities in training in the city in preparation for the biggest school sports event,” Lam said.

“It’s also a chance for Vietnamese school students to show off their power but carry peace wishes among regional friends and partners, promoting the hospitality and solidarity of the country.” 

Nguyễn Thanh Đề, deputy head of the games’ organising committee, stressed that the sports event was also a chance for Vietnamese youngsters to show off their physical training and education over the past decade.

Vietnamese school students join a send-off ceremony for the ASEAN School Games in Đà Nẵng. The team will compete in six sports including swimming, athletics, badminton, basketball, pencak silat and vovinam. Photo courtesy of Trần Lê Lâm

Bùi Bích Phương, a badminton player, promised that she would gain victorious triumph for the country and the team, but also sharing friendly connections among friends.

She said all the team members have been in top form, gaining medals at home through competitions.

More than 1,300 athletes will be competing in six disciplines, swimming, athletics, badminton, basketball, pencak silat and vovinam for 107 medal sets from June 1-7 in the beach city of Đà Nẵng.

First held in 2009, the ASEAN Schools Games is the largest sporting event for high school students in the ASEAN region.

Thailand took the top medal tally in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2017, while Malaysia won in 2010, 2014 and 2018.

Việt Nam once took the leading position in 2013 as the host of the games.

In 2022, the games, due to be hosted by the Philippines, were cancelled due to COVID-19.

The opening ceremony will be held at Tiên Sơn Sports Centre at 8pm on June 1, a few hours after the flag is raised over the event. VNS