The first national fishing sport tournament will be held in Ha Noi this weekend. — File Photo

HA NOI (VNS) — The first Game Fishing Association Championships will be organised from May 17 to 18 at the Trang An Fishing Club in Ha Noi.

More than 100 athletes from 20 teams have registered to take part in the singles and team events.

According to Nghiem Ba Vuong, the association's general secretary, Ha Noi, HCM City, Hai Phong and Thanh Hoa are sending the strongest contingents, among others.

He said the successful competitors will receive bonus points to upgrade their national ranking.

Fishing, as a sport, began in Viet Nam in 1995 and grew popular mainly in the southern provinces, with HCM City's 9999 being the first club to be established in 2002.

Over the years, the sport has attracted many athletes. Its increasing popularity led to the establishment of the Viet Nam Game Fishing Association last October.

Vuong said the tournament would be held as an annual event after making its debut this year, and hoped that in the future it would become popular among the people. — VNS