Hanoi, Vietnam – Student athletes from Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, the Philippines and Laos began their competitions in Hanoi on June 24.
The opening performances showcased the national identity of the respective nations. The main performances also showcased the chivalry, hospitability, youthful and friendly collaboration of thousands of students in Hanoi to other students from countries participating in the event.
Vice Minister of Education and Training, Tran Quang Guy said that the 5th ASG was an opportunity for students, officials and teachers from different countries in the region to have favorable conditions to exchange views, culture, experience and learn together to enhance physical education quality and school sport level, step by step catch up with sport level of students in Asian countries and in the world.
They are competing in nine disciplines: athletics, swimming, badminton, basketball, gymnastics, table tennis, volleyball, pencak silat and sepak takraw.
Swimmer Nguyen Thi Anh Vien pocketed three gold medals for Vietnam in the women’s 100m backstroke, 200m freestyle and 400m medley.
The 17-year-old also pocketed a bronze in the 100m breastsroke.
Her success helped Vietnam stay in second place in the medal tally on the first day of the event.
Thailand are in top position with three golds, two silvers and five bronzes.
Third place is currently held by Malaysia who have bagged one gold, two silver and one bronze medals.
Last year, Vietnam won 60 medals, including 27 golds, finishing in fourth place.
The ASG is an annual event which started in 2009 and is managed by the ASEAN Schools Sports Council (ASSC), a non-Governmental organisation established by ASEAN member countries to boost sports activities among them.
On the same day, the ASEAN Schools Sports Council held its 66th meeting to review its programmes and activities last year. Members discussed measures to mobilise more funds from businesses and social organisations to develop the council further.