The Việt Nam coach and athletes pose for a photograph after they won a gold medal in the women's kata team event at the 19th Asian Games. Photo courtesy of SAV

HÀ NỘI -- Việt Nam won a third gold medal at the 19th Asian Games on October 6 in Hangzhou, China.

The victory went to the karate women's kata (performance) team after they beat Malaysian 42.70 - 39,00 in the final match.

It is the first time that kata has been featured at the Asian Games.

Four teams took part from Malaysia, Brunei, Cambodia and Việt Nam.

As the champions of the recent SEA Games and first runner-up in the recent Asian championship, Việt Nam's were favourites for gold.

The SEA Games champions easily beat Cambodia in the semifinal and advanced to the final.

"We were a little nervous at first but now really happy winning the gold medal," said Nguyễn Ngọc Trâm.

"The Asian Games is much larger than SEA Games so we had to prepare very carefully and be really focused. It was not an easy task but we won."

Nguyễn Thị Ngoan in action in the women's 61kg category final at the 19th Asian Games where she won a silver medal. Photo courtesy of SAV

Coach Nguyễn Hoàng Ngân however knew that her athletes would take the title.

"When hearing that this event was added in the competition, I knew that it would be a chance for Việt Nam to take gold. I knew my team would do a good job," said the former world champion.

"I failed to lift the gold twice when I was an athlete. Now, as coach, I would not miss it for the world.

"This gold is so meaningful for us in terms of professionalism and solidarity of Vietnamese athletes.

"I am really proud of my team and their performance. It is the most valuable medal in my coaching career."

Nguyễn Thị Ngoan won silver for the team in the kumite (combat) event.

She lost to powerful Chinese Gong Li in the women's 61kg class final.

Việt Nam have so far won three golds, four silvers and 16 bronzes, taking No 17 position in the medal tally. VNS