Asian Games

Nguyễn Huy Hoàng has been chosen to carry the Vietnamese flag at the opening ceremony of the Asian Games next month in China. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Nguyễn Huy Hoàng will be Việt Nam's flag bearer at the 19th Asian Games opening ceremony in September in China.

The Sports Authority of Việt Nam has chosen the region's top swimmer to take the honour as he was one of the best athletes of Việt Nam in 2022, winning three golds and one silver at the 32nd SEA Games in May in Cambodia.

It is not the first time that Hoàng has carried the flag. He did the job at the Phnom Penh Games and the 31st SEA Games on home soil last year.

Hoàng is on a long training course in Hungary in preparation for the Games. He will return home early next month and join the delegation heading to China on September 20.

Hoàng will compete in the men's 1,500m event, where he won a silver at the previous Games in Jakarta in 2018.

This year, as his number one rival Sun Yang of the host nation can not compete because of a doping ban, Hoàng is expected to top the podium.

Currently, Việt Nam officials have taken 30 samples for doping tests while all athletes have completed their mandatory certificates of doping by WADA.

Among 31 teams that will compete in the Games, many of them are in their intensive training courses locally and internationally.

The final list of the Việt Nam delegation will be announced later this month. They will target to have up to five gold medals. — VNS