Sailing

Athletes compete in the National Sailing Clubs Championship on June 8-9 in Khánh Hòa Province. VNS Photos

NHA TRANG -- The National Sailing Clubs Championship and National Top SUP Players Championship were open in Nha Trang City, on June 8.

It is the first time these tournaments have been organised in Khánh Hòa Province's Ana Marina Nha Trang International Cruise Port.

In two days, nearly 150 athletes take part in different categories, vying for attractive bonuses and spots in the national teams.

The tournaments are expected to promote these water sports widely in the community.

They were first two activities in the province's plan to celebrate its 100th anniversary of the construction and development of Nha Trang (1924-2024) and the Nha Trang Sea Tourism Festival on June 13-16.

A large number of tourists and local people came to watch races on the first day.

"The Việt Nam Canoeing, Rowing and Sailing Federation's mission is to develop water sports including sailing and stand-up paddle (SUP) that are both professional and entertaining ones," said federation president Lâm Quang Thành.

Athletes seen in action in the National Top SUP Players Championship which were open in Nha Trang City, on June 8.

"In recent years, the federation has tried to push the development of these sports, building a stronger practice movement, creating a healthy and useful playground for athletes and people so that we can integrate into the world."

Thành added that these competition activities would help to raise people's love and responsibility to protect national sovereignty over sea and islands; promote marine economic activities and development of coastal ecosystems; and raise awareness of environmental protection.

Thành said the tournaments were also to connect sports and tourism, promoting images and beauty of Nha Trang beach to a large number of domestic and international tourists, and letting people know about Nha Trang as one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

The venue was appreciated with its international competition standards, beautiful landscape with blue water and white sand beaches, which will be the national team's training destination in preparation for upcoming tournaments.

"We hope that from this year's event, Ana Marina Nha Trang International Cruise Port will be the place to host many national and international tournaments every year," Thành said. VNS