HÀ NỘI — A sending-off ceremony was organised in Hà Nội to see the Việt Nam delegation to Brazil for this Summer’s Olympic Games.

The delegation, with 23 athletes, their coaches, officials and others will leave for the Games, running between August 5-21, shouldering hopes of bringing home the first gold medal in history.

“The Olympics are the most important event of the year to Việt Nam. It is a chance to evaluate the nation’s sports development and its level compared to others in the region and the world,” Chief of Mission Trần Đức Phấn said at the event yesterday.

“All athletes are at their peak and excited to take part in the world’s biggest sporting event after winning their slots through qualification in recent years. They all want to take home their own medals,” he said.

Taking part in the ceremony, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyễn Ngọc Thiện asked the delegation to try hard for the best results while popularising the image of Vietnamese people and landscapes to the world.

“I appreciate the athletes’ effort in obtaining their Olympic berths. It is the biggest number in history. It improves our plans to push national sport in recent years,” said Minister Thiện.

“The Olympics is a great sporting competition which unites people and promotes peace and friendship. I request all members of the Việt Nam Team to compete with solidarity and honesty and stretch yourselves to bring victories home,” he added.

Fencer Vũ Thành An on behalf of all athletes promised to compete to grab the highest results.

Việt Nam will compete in 22 events in 10 sports. They are among more than 10,500 athletes from 206 countries and territories who will gather in Rio de Janeiro, competing in 306 events over 28 sports. — VNS