ĐÀ NẴNG  — The national flag hosting ceremony of the fifth Asian Beach Games was officially launched yesterday in Đà Nẵng’s East Sea Park.

Over 3,100 athletes and 1,500 coaches and officials from 42 Asian teams are taking part in the games, competing in 14 sports for 172 medal from September 24 to October 3.

The national flag of Việt Nam was raised yesterday along with those of 13 other national teams, with another ceremony scheduled today for the remaining 28 countries and territories participating in the sporting event.

The chairman of the People’s Committee, Huỳnh Đức Thơ, pledged the central coastal city would strive to ensure the success of the games, being held for the first time by Việt Nam and Đà Nẵng.

“It’s the biggest Asian beach sporting games and the first organised by the city. The games will be a great opportunity to boost tourism and showcase the hospitality of the local people, culture and friendship for Asian countries and the world,” Thơ said after the ceremony.

“Despite the difficulties of bad weather in the rainy season, the city has set the stage for a smooth running of the games,” he said.

Over 600 local and international reporters are expected to cover the 10-day games and a press center has been set up for their work and for news conferences.

The organising committee also set up a shuttle bus service connecting the four beach venues along Võ Nguyên Giáp-Hoàng Sa and Trường Sa street.   

The first swimming competition is scheduled for today.

The official opening ceremony will take place in the park at 8pm on Saturday (September 24^th). — VNS