The fifth Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) kicked off in Turkmenistan’s capital city of Ashgabat on September 17 where Vietnam aims to rank between the 13th and the 15th place in the medal standings.

Turkmen wrestlers carry their country's national flag at the opening ceremony of AIMAG 2017 on September 17

Nearly 15,000 performers gave the audience an opening ceremony imbued with Turkmenistan’s culture characterised by camels, horses, warriors and traditional costumes.

In the parade of nations, Vietnamese athletes were in the same red outfits as at the recent 29th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games). Taekwondo athlete Lam Thi Ha Thanh held the national flag to lead the delegation.

AIMAG 2017 attracts athletes from 65 countries and territories, including some in the Oceania.

The 164-member Vietnamese delegation, led by Deputy General Director of the General Department of Sports and Physical Training Tran Duc Phan, is going to compete in 14 of the 21 sports of the Games with the aim of winning eight gold medals.

At competitions before the opening ceremony, the delegation obtained three bronze medals in jujitsu.

Vietnamese athletes are set to take part in athletics, muay, weightlifting, jujitsu and taekwondo events on September 18.

VNA