The National Archery Cup kicked off yesterday in the southern province of Vinh Long.

The 16th edition of the event has attracted 130 athletes from 14 cities and provinces including strong teams from Ha Noi, Bac Can and HCM City.

Archers compete in both recurve and compound categories. Men take part in the 30m, 50m, 70m and 90m competitions while women participate in 30m, 50m, 60m and 70m events.

"The tournament is one of the national events for elite sports organised annually with a view to testing athletes' skills," said Pham Van Huong, acting director of the province's Culture, Sports and Tourism Department and head of the organising board. "Excellent sportsmen will be sent to the national team and take part in international competitions. In particular, they will be key in our team's ambitions at the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar later this year and the Asian Games in 2019 hosted by Viet Nam."

The event will conclude on May 10. — VNS