Judo 

Chu Đức Đạt is one of 11 Vietnamese athletes to compete at the Asian Judo Championships in Hong Kong. VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI -- Judo martial artists will have their last chance to secure their Olympic spots at the Asian championships in Hong Kong.

Việt Nam will be one of 36 teams competing at the April 20-22 competition in which 14 sets of medals are up for grabs.

Among 11 fighters who vie for continental victories, Chu Đức Đạt, Hoàng Thị Tình and Nguyễn Ngọc Diễm Phương will also collect points for their world ranking that would help them qualify for the Paris Olympics this summer.

"The Asian championship will attract the strongest athletes. It is the best opportunity for our competitors to improve their technique," Nguyễn Hữu An, general secretary of the Việt Nam Judo Federation.

"This year, our key martial artists will vie for Asian glory and points for Olympic official places. We appreciate their strong effort for a double target."

Đạt is the most potential athlete as he has entered Asian top 10 in the men's 60kg category.

Tình will look for her slot in the women's 48kg while Phương will hunt her chance in the women's 57kg.

"They have participated in various tournaments recently. All of them have their own opportunities," An said.

The International Judo Federation will announce the final list of qualified athletes on June 25.

In the Asian competition, Việt Nam have not earned medals for years. The most recent one was a bronze of Văn Ngọc Tú in the women's 48kg in 2011. VNS