At the event, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan encouraged the athletes to achieve good results at Asiad 16, scheduled to take place in China’s Guangxi province from November 12-27.

Le Quy Phuong, Deputy General Director of the General Sports Department and Head of the delegation, said Asiad 16 will be a big challenge to the Vietnamese athletes.

However, they are ready to compete and hopefully bring home from 4-6 gold medals, making it possible for the nation to rank in Top 15 at Asiad 16, Phuong added.

Vietnam is sending a 392-member delegation to the games, including 260 athletes – the largest number ever– who will compete in 29 sport and sub-sports events.

Experts said Vietnam pins high hopes on its strong sports such as sepak takraw, shooting, wushu, karate and chess, but it is likely to make a nice surprise in Olympics sports, namely track and field, swimming, taekwondo and weightlifting.