Thousands of fans welcome the Việt Nam team home

Asian Games

HA NOI – Despite the rain, thousands of Vietnamese fans welcomed the Viet Nam sports delegation home from the Asian Games (ASIAD) 2018 in Indonesia, including the Viet Nam Olympic football team. The athletes landed at Noi Bai International Airport in Soc Son District, Ha Noi this afternoon.

This year’s ASIAD saw the successful participation of Viet Nam, bringing home four gold medals, 16 silvers and 18 bronzes, ranking 17th in the medal tally.

The Viet Nam Olympic team were praised for reaching the bronze-medal football match for the first time ever. Although the team lost to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 3-4 in a penalty shootout, their performance was celebrated by fans and the boys returned to a hero’s welcome.

Viet Nam’s journey to the competition’s top four teams gives hope for the team to advance further at the continental level.

Earlier, at ASIAD 2014, Viet Nam’s football squad were knocked out in the round of 16 after losing to UAE 1-3, while the Viet Nam delegation won just one gold medal, 10 silvers and 25 bronzes to rank 21st in the overall medal tally.

After departing Noi Bai International Airport, the Viet Nam team moved to Ha Noi-based My Dinh National Stadium to take part in a ceremony honouring the athletes for their achievements in Indonesia.

The ceremony will take place from 5pm to 7pm today.

Vietnamese fans will have the opportunity to see the outstanding athletes and players of the Viet Nam Olympic team and enjoy art and cultural activities.

The celebration aims to encourage athletes and trainers participating in ASIAD and is also a cultural and sports event of great significance to mark the country’s National Day (September 2). – VNS