Vietnamese athletes won 425 gold, 301 silver and 319 bronze medals this year, according to the Vietnam Sports Administration (VSA). 

Of the gold medals, 46 were in world championships, 64 in Asia and 315 in Southeast Asia. 

During a meeting in Hanoi on December 25 to review the VSA’s activities and launch tasks for 2018, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien lauded the country’s sporting achievements this year, especially at the 29th Southeast Asian Games. 

He suggested the VSA continues refining the amended Law on Physical Training and Sports, preparing for the 18th Asian Games (ASIAD 18) to be held in Indonesia, Olympics qualifying rounds and other tournaments, regional and global. 

The sector should step up mass sports movements and strive to perform well at ASIAD 18 and regional, continental and world championships, he said, adding that the sector also needs to work with the media to popularise information related to sports. 

VSA Director Vuong Bich Thang said the sector offered feedback on legal regulations in the field and promoted the campaign “All people take exercises following the example of great Uncle Ho”. 

On the occasion, Director of the High-Performance Sports Department II Nguyen Trong Ho and head of the Vietnam Sports Hospital’s Surgery Department Nguyen Van Vy received certificates of merit from the Government. 

Vice Director of the National Centre for Sports Training in Ho Chi Minh City Nguyen Van Sung was awarded with the Labour Order, third class.-VNA