Vietnamese sprinter takes first gold at ASEAN Schools Games

Vietnamese sprinter Hoàng Thị Ngọc Anh reacts after finishing first in the girls’ 3,000m at the ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) on June 3, winning the first gold medal for Việt Nam at the games. VNS Photo Công Thành

ĐÀ NẴNG — Vietnamese sprinter Hoàng Thị Ngọc Anh finished first in the girls’ 3,000m to take home the first gold medal for Việt Nam at the ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) on June 3.

Anh, 18, a student at Nam Từ Liêm regular education centre in Hà Nội, finished in 10 minutes and 16.12 seconds to win gold at Hòa Xuân Athletics Track.

Singapore’s Chua Hsin-Wen Clara finished second for the silver medal in 10 minutes and 46.98 seconds, while Vietnamese student Triệu Thị Bình came third in 11 minutes and 19.76 seconds.

Racers completed the 3,000m track in central Việt Nam's hot summer weather.

Vietnamese runner Hoàng Thị Ngọc Anh sprints to pass Tajarros Chrisia Mae of the Philippines at the Hòa Xuân Athletics Centre on June 3. VNS Photo Công Thành

Filipina competitor Tajarros Chrisia Mae took the lead from the first minute of the race, but she was passed by Ngọc Anh in the fifth lap.

“It’s the decisive moment when I sprinted to pass the leader after five first laps. Hot weather would exhaust all runners in the morning race, but I reserved the top-form to lead the last rounds to complete the race in first place,” Anh said after the race.

“I wish that all runners and school students from other countries give their best effort and win gold.”

Singapore's team also marked their first gold at the ASG when Conrad Kangli Emery, 18, won the first-place medal in the boys’ long jump with a 7.61m result.

Two martial artists compete in girls' Vovinam at the ASEAN Schools Games on June 3. Different weight categories for combat events started at this year's event. VNS Photo Công Thành

Phạm Xuân Tiến of Việt Nam ranked second with a 7.24m jump and Malaysia's Adam Haqimi Bin Azrail came third with 6.98m.

The Philippines’ Trangia Courtney Jewel, 17, took home the gold in the girls’ discus throw, achieving 37.95m and beating Nuraina Aleefa Binti Zukli from Malaysia, who placed second with a 36.84m throw.

Thailand’s Paphatson Loain ranked third with a 36.72m finish.

Supporters from Việt Nam and ASEAN countries gather at Đà Nẵng Aquatic Sports Centre in Đà Nẵng to watch the swimming event at the ASEAN Schools Games. VNS Photo Công Thành

Athletes also began qualifying rounds in Vovinam, pencak silat, basketball and badminton on June 3, the fourth day of the games.