Finswimming

Phạm Thị Thu was one of the most successful finswimmers at the 31st SEA Games in May in Hà Nội. She is in Phuket to vie for a World Cup medal. VNS Photo Nhã Thu

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam's 18 athletes will compete in the Finswimming's World Cup in Phuket, Thailand.

It is their first international competition since the 31st SEA Games more than three months ago.

"The world event is a really good chance for my athletes to sharpen their skills and improve their international experience," said Nguyễn Ngọc Anh of the Việt Nam Sports Administration's finswimming section.

Anh said SEA Games champions such as Nguyễn Thành Lộc and Phạm Thị Thu were expected to grab high results in the Phuket event, which will wrap up on September 4.

"Apart from the seniors, we also send young athletes like Vũ Đặng Nhật Nam to Thailand. They are potential athletes who will help Việt Nam win in future tournaments," Anh said.

Finswimming was organised at the SEA Games for the first time in 13 years in May in Hà Nội.

Việt Nam dominated the event, winning 10 out of 13 gold medals.

It will continue to be an official sport at the upcoming SEA Games in Cambodia in May.

"It is good news for finswimmers who have not had many tournaments to compete. The World Cup results will be a chance for them to maintain their high peak ahead of the Games, which are being held in nine months," Anh said. VNS