The 26th HCM City International Track and Field Việt Nam Open 2019 will take place at Thống Nhất Stadium from July 17-19. — Photo thethaohcm.vn

HÀ NỘI — The 26th HCM City International Track and Field Việt Nam Open 2019 will take place at Thống Nhất Stadium from July 17-19, the organising board has announced.

The event, held by the municipal Department of Culture and Sports in collaboration with the HCM City Athletics Federation, is set to attract 550 athletes from 33 cities and provinces nationwide, and nine countries in the region, to compete in 15 men’s events, 14 women’s events, and five relay races. 
According to Secretary General of the HCM City Athletics Federation Nguyễn Trung Hinh, an electronic system will be deployed to supervise performance of the competitors, while the International Association of Athletics Federations’ new rules will be applied.
The track and field event offers opportunities for domestic athletes to prepare for national games scheduled in September, he said, adding that it is also a good chance for regional coaches and athletes to gear up for the 30th SEA Games in the Philippines in November.
The HCM City International Track and Field Việt Nam Open was first held in 1993. It was recognised as an official tournament in Asia by the Asian Athletics Association in 2010. — VNS