Nguyen Thi Lua has made history by becoming the first Vietnamese female wrestler to qualify for the Olympics twice after she reached the final of the Asian qualifying event in Astana, Kazakhstan on March 19.

Wrestler Nguyen Thi Lua (Photo: nhandan.vn)

In the 53kg category, Lua won two bouts to enter the final round and book a berth in the upcoming Rio 2016 Olympics.

Both the gold and silver medallists from the Asian qualifying event will compete at the Rio Games.

Lua took part in the London Olympics in 2012.

Vietnam aims to secure 16 to 20 Olympic berths in shooting, athletics, swimming and gymnastics, as well as fencing and weightlifting.

Eight athletes have secured a berth so far for the 2016 Summer Olympics that will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from August 5 to 21.

VNA