Vietnamese athletes need to demonstrate good sportsmanship and follow rules of competitions, thus promoting the country’s images to international friends, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien has said.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien meets with Vietnamese athletes in the athletes' village of ASIAD 18 (Source: news.zing.vn)

The official made the statement on August 18 while visiting members of the Vietnamese delegation in the athletes’ village of the 2018 Asian Games (ASIAD 2018).

To date, more than 300 members of the delegation have arrived in Indonesia and 200 of them live in the village.

Speaking to the athletes, the minister spoke highly of their efforts and voiced his hope that they will overcome pressure and spare no efforts to achieve outstanding results during competitions.

Thien also inquired about living and travel conditions of Vietnamese athletes, as well as medical treatment for them. He asked leaders of the delegation to regularly update athletes’ conditions and promptly address any arising problems.

The Vietnamese delegation to ASIAD 2018 consists of 532 members, including 352 athletes. It aims to snatch a minimum of three gold medals, with at least one in an Olympic sports category.

The Games will be officially held in two major cities of Indonesia – Jakarta and Palembang – from August 18 to September 2, with the participation of athletes from 45 countries and territories.

At the previous Games, Vietnam pocketed one gold, 10 silver, and 25 bronze medals, ranking 21st in the medal standings. –VNA