Đà Nẵng  — More than 600 international and domestic reporters have registered to cover the fifth Asian Beach Games (ABG5) in Đà Nẵng city from September 24 to October 3, with teams training in the city from September 18^th.

Speaking at a press conference on the games, vice director of the central city’s Culture and Sports department, Nguyễn Phúc Linh said that the city was working for a successful beach games.

“We have received the registration of 3,100 athletes and 1,500 coaches and officials from 42 teams from Asian countries and territories. Over 1,400 international and domestic referees, supervisors and technical experts will officiate the 10-day games that Việt Nam will host for the first time,” Linh said, adding that 1,500 Vietnamese volunteers will join the games.

Linh said preparations for the games had been difficult as a storm hit central Việt Nam on Monday, but the locality would hand over the competition venues, accommodation, vehicles and facilities in time.

Telecommunication infrastructure has been set up at four major venues – the East Sea Park, Mỹ Khê beach, Sơn Thủy beach and Phương Trang beach – in Ngũ Hành Sơn and Sơn Trà district.

The city will also host series cultural performance for athletes and visitors during the games including street fashion of participating countries at ABG5 and a beach festival at Mỹ Khê beach.

The city sees the games as an opportunity to promote tourism and culture to international guests.

The city has launched a public service switchboard (0511-1022) to provide information for foreign tourists in the city from 7.30am to 9pm every day.

The biennial event is themed ‘Shining Sea, Bright Future’ 172 medal sets available across 14 sports.

The East Sea Park will host the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the main sports.

The 5th Asian Beach Games will be the first time the country has hosted the Games.

At the previous edition of the event in Thailand two years ago, Thailand was crowned the overall Asian Beach Games Champion for the second time.

Việt Nam finished in fifth place - their most successful campaign, with eight gold, 12 silver and 20 bronze medals. — VNS