Twenty-six Vietnamese coaches are taking part in a training course run by Achim Ecke from the German National Olympic Committee in a bid to meet international coaching standards.

The course, which is taking place at the National Sports Training Centre in Ha Noi, is set to run until December 13, and is part of a co-operation project between the committee and the Viet Nam Athletics Federation (VAF).

It will provide the attendants with a wide knowledge of athletic events and improve their technical skills in educating and motivating young athletes.

VAF General Secretary Hoang Manh Cuong, speaking on the opening day of the course, said: "Support from international organisations, such as the German committee, helps Vietnamese track and field develop rapidly and will allow us to achieve high results in international tournaments."

Ecke, on behalf of the committee, handed over some sports equipment to VAF representatives. It is the elite trainer's second time training local coaches in Viet Nam, following a spell in 2006.-VNS