VietNamNet Bridge – At least 150 athletes in 16 teams from 14 cities and provinces across the country are competing for gold in the National Club Championships in sepak takraw (kick volleyball).

The tournament is the first of the year and serves as an important warm-up for athletes before the National Championships in May. — Photo thethaovietnam.vn

The traditionally strong northern teams such as Nghe An, Ha Noi and Thanh Hoa are expected to dominate the event. Teams from Mekong Delta have made great progress in recent years, but they are still to bridge the gap.

Games began on Wednesday after the opening ceremony, with Thanh Hoa winning 2-1 against home team Can Tho and HCM City beating District 1 by 2-0 win.

This is the first sepak takraw tournament of the year and serves as an important warm-up for athletes before the National Championships in May.

Like in 2016, this year too the tournament is being held outdoors. Last year was the first time the event was held outdoors as part of a new initiative by the country’s Sepak Takraw Federation, and it was a resounding success, drawing five times the number of fans compared to the indoor tournaments.

The tournament is scheduled to conclude next Monday. 

VNS