HÀ NỘI — Many people gave Hoàng Xuân Vinh a hero’s welcome upon his return to Hà Nội, after yesterday’s Rio Olympics victory.

Crowds arrived at Nội Bài International Airport early in the evening, to await the Olympic shooter, hours before his flight landed at around 10pm.

He was also greeted by cheering fans who were arriving or departing at the airport.

Among them was Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyễn Khánh Hải, head of the National Sport Administration Vương Bích Thắng and representatives of the Ministry of National Defence.

Last week, Vinh, a military officer, earned one gold and one silver medal, and set a record at the ongoing Rio Games.

The 41-year-old shooter triumphed in the men’s 10m air pistol, with a record 202.5 points, and came in second in the 50m pistol.

Vinh ended Việt Nam’s six-decade wait for its first Olympic gold medal. He is also the nation’s first athlete to win two medals, and the first to hold a record at an Olympics. This year has seen the best results ever for Việt Nam sports at an Olympics.

Speaking with the media, Thắng said Vinh was worthy to be honoured as a legend of the national sport.

He also received a congratulations letters from Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyễn Ngọc Thiện.

“These are not only the most valuable medals for Việt Nam, but also for the Southeast Asian region. It is a success for the sport, in general, and Vinh, in particular. His achievement strengthens our belief that, despite challenges, we can find suitable ways -- good coaches and talented athletes -- to reach high results at international competitions,” Thắng said.

“Vinh’s success also helps us become more confident when stepping out at Asian and world competitions. Many Vietnamese athletes, especially the marksmen, will consider this as their goal to strive harder in their careers,” he added.

In Rio de Janeiro, Nguyễn Tiến Minh was the only Vietnamese athlete in action yesterday.

The national top badminton player lost 7-21, 12-21 to defending champion Lin Dan of China in the Group E match at the Riocentro – Pavilion 4.

It was the seventh time that world No 33 Minh was defeated by the two-time champion, who is now at No 3 in the world.

With three wins, Lin topped the group and qualified for the next round. Minh came in second with two wins, but was ousted from the tournament. — VNS