Vietnamese athletes seen in the senior aerobic dance event at the ninth Asian Age Group Aerobics Championships which closed on June 10 in Hà Nội. VNA/VNS Photos

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam topped the medal tally of the ninth Asian Age Group Aerobics Championships which closed on June 10 in Hà Nội.

The hosts which were also a strong force in the world bagged eight golds, four silvers and five bronzes after three days of competitions at the Quần Ngựa Sports Palace.

Việt Nam had no worthy rivals in the senior group of five, gathering Nguyễn Chế Thanh, Lê Hoàng Phong, Trần Ngọc Thúy Vi, Vương Hoài Ân and Nguyễn Việt Anh. The reigning world champions persuasive judges with their beautiful and syncronised performance to take gold.

The hosts also won in the senior aerobic dance event. Their juniors also showed their potential as they won in the groups of three in the 12-14-year-old and 15-17-year-old and froup of five in the 12-14-year-old categories.

South Korean team came second with seven golds, four silvers and one bronze. Japan placed third with one gold, four silvers and two bronzes.

Japanese players perform in the senior group of five event.

Speaking about the tournament's profession field, Việt Nam Gymnastics Federation General Secretary Phan Thuỳ Linh said among 14 participating countries and regions, South Korea and Japan were continental leaders. They were especially strong in categories for juniors and groups.

However, Việt Nam showed remarkable progress, jumping from No 5 in Asia to No 3 after taking top position this year.

It was a good sign that scores for Việt Nam's performances, even in non-favourite categories, were as good as those from other countries.

Aerobic dance team of Thailand seen performing in the final round.

Yagi Kitagawa Tammy, Aerobic Gymnastics Technical Committee President of the International Gymnastics Federation, appreciated the hosts' effort in organisation. She said it was Việt Nam's positive contribution in developing and popularising aerobics in Asia.

"The tournament successfully comes to the end. I believe that all participants have had great experience in Hà Nội. Your city impresses us with people's friendliness and hospitality as well as beautiful landscape and delicious cuisine," she said.

"I hope that Hà Nội will be an attractive destination for the Asian major sport events in the future.

After Asian championships, teams will have chance to vie for medals again at the world championship which will be held in September in Italy. VNS