VietNamNet Bridge – Thach Kim Tuan won the first gold medal for Viet Nam at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) in Turkmenistan late Monday. 

Thach Kim Tuan wins the first gold medal for Viet Nam at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) in Turkmenistan on Monday. -- VNS Photo Huu Binh

Tuan, who recently won a gold at the Malaysian Southeast Asian (SEA) Games last month, continued his winning streak to triumph at the men’s weightlifting event.

The Vietnamese lifted a total of 282kg. His nearest rival Tran Le Quoc Toan, who lifted 276kg, placed second, while China’s Jia Xionghui finished third, lifting 269kg.

Earlier, Vuong Thi Huyen pocketed a bronze in the women’s 48kg category, losing out to China’s Xiao Huiying and Jumabayewa Yulduz of the host country.

In the athletics segment, Bui Thi Thu Thao competed against 11 others in the women’s long jump event. 

Thao jumped 6.36m, 0.32m short of her feat at the Malaysian SEA Games. The result placed her second in the ranking. The gold went to Rypakova, who jumped 6.43m. Neena Varakil of India secured the bronze with 6.04m. 

After the first day, Viet Nam ranked at 11 with one gold, two silver and four bronze medals. On Saturday, three other bronze medals were bagged by the jujitsu athletes.

Turkmenistan are currently at the top spot with 24 titles, followed by Iran (four golds) and Uzbekistan (three golds).

The fifth AIMAG is scheduled from September 17 to 27, with the participation of 45 Asian countries and territories and 17 others from Oceania.

Viet Nam, with 164 members, will compete in 14 of the 21 sports.

At the previous Games in South Korea, Viet Nam placed third, after China and the host country.

VNS