The Viet Nam Challenge-Ciputra Ha Noi International Badminton Tournament 2013 kicked off yesterday in Trinh Hoai Duc Gymnasium.

The event, which runs until March 31, attracts 269 outstanding players from 14 countries and territories.They are completing in five events: men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed doubles.

The winner of each Challenge will receive 4,000 points towards their world ranking, while the two runners-up will get 3,400 and 2,800 points, respectively.

The organising board will also award cash prizes worth a total of US$15,000.

Viet Nam's top player Nguyen Tien Minh will not be competing in this year's tournament due to injury. — VNS