Ngô Hữu Vương of Việt Nam in action at the 19th Asian Games on September 25 in Hangzhou, China. — Photo courtesy of SAV

HÀ NỘI — Ngô Hữu Vương won Việt Nam a silver medal in shooting at the 19th Asian Games on September 25 in Hangzhou, China.

Vương scored 571 points in the men's 10m running target rifle event to finish in second place.

Putra Muhammad Sejahtera Dwi of Indonesia took gold after shooting 578 points. South Korean Jeong Youjin claimed bronze with 565 points.

Two other Vietnamese athletes also competed in this event but failed to make the top three.

Nguyễn Tuấn Anh was fourth with 565 points and Nguyễn Công Dậu placed bottom with 531 points.

"I am happy with this silver this Asian Games. I have changed the colour of the medal as I only won bronze in the two previous editions," said Vương.

"I have worked hard and learned a lot from my participation in previous tournaments. These experiences helped to reach this achievement. It is my one step up in my career and also I am proud because of my contribution to the Việt Nam Team's overall medal tally."

In the team event, South Korea, North Korea and Indonesia were the top three. Việt Nam had the same 1667 points with Indonesia but placed fourth as Indonesian shooters had more 10-point shots in total.

"Vương's silver and results of the air rifle team are good. These will be a motivation for other marksmen who will compete tomorrow," said Vũ Thị Anh Đào, an official of the Sports Authority of Việt Nam's Shooting Department.

In taekwondo news, Việt Nam ensured a bronze medal in a combat event after the team losing 18-88 to China in the mixed team semi-finals.

Earlier they beat the Philippines 35-26 in the quarter-final.

Bigger bonus for the champions

Việt Nam Chief-de-mission Đặng Hà Việt has decided to give a bonus of VNĐ400 million (US$) for each gold medal winner of Việt Nam Team at the 19th Asian Games.

It is double what was announced at the delegation's sendoff ceremony last week in Hà Nội.

It is also much more than VNĐ300 million promised to the champions at the previous Games in Indonesia in 2018.

Việt said it was to strongly push the athletes to strive harder and compete better in the whole competition.

Apart from the bonuses, winning athletes also received awards as per the State regulation.

They will pocket VNĐ140 million for gold with an additional VNĐ55 million with a Games record. It is VNĐ85 million for silver and VNĐ55 million for bronze.

They also receive bonuses from the Việt Nam Olympic Committee and federations.

In this Games, Việt Nam hopes to win up to five golds and secure as many Olympic berths as possible. — VNS