Hanoi (VNA) - A programme was held at the My Dinh national stadium onSeptember 2 evening to honour outstanding athletes of the Vietnamese sportsdelegation for their successes at the 2018 Asian Games (ASIAD) in Indonesia.

Titled “Proudof Vietnam”, the event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sportsand Tourism and the Radio Voice of Vietnam (VOV).

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien, VOV General Directorof Nguyen The Ky, and officials from the Ministry of Information andCommunications, the Hanoi People’s Committee , the Vietnam Sports Administration,the Vietnam Football Federation along with dozen of thousands of people were presentat the stadium to share the athletes’ joy.

Speaking at the event, VOV General Director Nguyen The Ky affirmed that in the atmosphereof the National Day (September 2), millions of hearts were heading to the stadiumwith the same beats welcoming the delegation, which accomplished its mission atASIAD 2018.

He highlighted that by their burning love for the fatherland, by their wisdom,talent and bravery, the athletes have made great efforts to reach highachievements, bringing pride to the country.

This event was also a chance for sports fans nationwide to meet and exchangewith athletes, as well as congratulate the athletes that made excellentachievements in the Asian sport event.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien said over the pasttwo weeks, Vietnam’s sports fans have always followed up the athletes’competition at ASIAD 2018, and they all felt emotional and proud as theathletes made many victories at this event.

The tirelessefforts of the athletes showed their determination to compete all because of theflag colors to bring glory to the country, he said.

Vietnamfinished 17th out of 45 countries and territories in the medal tallyof the continental sporting event, with four gold, 16 silver, and 18 bronze medals.

In addition,the Olympic team made history by earning a ticket to the semi-finals of themen’s football and winning praise from international experts, and the supportand love of millions of fans.

He expressed his gratitude to the Party and State leaders for their interest andattentions to the country’s sports in general and football in particular.

Long jumper Bui Thi Thu Thao, who won a gold medal at ASIAD 2018, thanked theleaders of the Party, the State and fans for their support to the delegation,saying that this was a encouragement and motivation for Vietnamese athletes tocontinue to promote their abilities, thus making more contributions to thecountry’s sport development in the future.-VNA