Aerobics

Artists perform to welcome athletes, coaches and officials to the Asian Aerobics Championships on June 8 in Hà Nội. — Photos of VGF

HÀ NỘI — The ninth Asian Aerobics Championship officially kicks off on June 8 at the Hà Nội's Quần Ngựa Sports Palace.

More than 316 athletes and coaches of 14 countries and regions -- Australia, Cambodia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Iran, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand and the hosts -- take part in the opening ceremony.

According to the organisers, it is the largest number of participants who will compete in 18 categories with 68 sets of medals available in men's and women's singles and doubles, mixed doubles, teams of three and five and Aerobic Dance in three age groups of 12-14; 15-17 and over 18.

Việt Nam have 68 members, 51 are athletes, at the tournament, and compete in all 18 categories.

"The tournament is organised to give professional athletes opportunities to compete, improve their quality, and sharpen their competition mind. It is also to promote the development of aerobics movement in Asia in general and Việt Nam in particular," says Đỗ Đình Hồng, director of Hà Nội Department of Culture and Sports.

"Under the spirit “Sport - Solidarity - Friendship” among countries around the world, this is an opportunity for us to introduce to international friends the image and people of Việt Nam and Hà Nội, the capital of peace."

Vietnamese athletes perform at the ninth championship's opening ceremony.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Yagi Kitagawa Tammy, Aerobic Gymnastics Technical Committee President of the International Gymnastics Federation, appreciates the efforts of Việt Nam to organise and develop aerobics for years. The local federation also showed its hospitality and experience in organising major events in the region.

"We are confident that this event will be a great success with the careful preparation of Việt Nam," says Tammy.

"I hope all athletes will love and explore the world of Asian Aerobics and I wish you all have the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful city like the capital Hà Nội."

The championships will last until June 10 and are free for people. — VNS