Athletes compete at last year Hà Nội Open Table Tennis tournament. Photo hanoimoi.com.vn

HÀ NỘI — The annual Hà Nội Open Table Tennis tournament promises competitive matches in its eighth edition on December 3-6.

The event, known as the Hà Nội Mới Newspaper Cup, will feature more than 300 athletes, many more than the previous year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the organisers.

“The deadly pandemic has forced many tournaments to be postponed and cancelled through the year. Currently, the situation seems to be well controlled, so we decided to choose this time for the event,” said Nguyễn Hoàng Long, editor-in-chief of the newspaper and head of the organisers.

“As it is one of the rare tournaments held this year, the cup receives attention and registration from athletes from 62 teams nationwide,” he said.

Athletes will compete in 11 categories based on ages and genders in professional and amateur disciplines.

“This year we will see the participation of famed players such as Phan Huy Hoàng, winner of the 2020 National Table Tennis Team Championship’s men’s singles, Nguyễn Văn Ngọc, gold medalist of the 2020 National Table Tennis Team Championship’s men’s team, Mai Thanh Thúy and Vũ Thị Thúy, winning duo of the 2020 National Table Tennis Clubs Championship,” said Long.

The tournament is free for supporters at Trịnh Hoài Đức Gymnasium but people are asked to follow instructions to avoid COVID-19 transmission.

Organisers will also carry out sterilisation of the facilities each day after matches. VNS