HÀ NỘI — The National Shooting Cup 2017 kicks off on Monday in Hà Nội with the participation of Olympic winner Hoàng Xuân Vinh.

It is the first domestic event that Vinh takes part in since his magical victory at the Rio Games last August.

Earlier, the national and regional champion competed at the World Cup in India last month and won a silver.

The national tournament has attracted more than 100 marksmen from 13 teams. They will compete in 36 individual and team events until April 12.

Vinh will compete in his strongest categories — 50m pistol and 10m air pistol.

Coach Nguyễn Thị Nhung said the event was a preparation for Vinh for this August’s Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia.

"It is right time to warm up. The tournament will help him find his sense of competition. He will also participate in some other local events to keep him in ready position for bigger tourneys in the future,” Nhung said.

Prior to the Cup, the Việt Nam Shooting Federation organised a three-event competition for some 50 amateur marksmen on Saturday at the Hà Nội Miếu Môn Shooting Range.

Phan Phi Vũ, of Toản Săn Club won top prize at the precision pistol individual event. Lý Hùng Construction Company’s Shooting Club won the team category. Nguyễn Hoàng Nam of the Industrial Construction Corporation pocketed the first position in the trap individual class. — VNS