The Asian Petanque Championships will begin in Ha Noi today, with more than 135 competitors from 12 nations and territories taking part.

Petanque is a form of bowls where the goal is to throw hollow metal balls close to a small wooden jack. It's normally played on hard dirt or gravel.

Ha Noi Sport Department deputy head Nguyen Dinh Lan said Viet Nam would have 35 competitors, divided into two teams, competing in nine categories in the contest.

It will be held at the Ha Noi Elite Athletes Centre. Last year Viet Nam won a gold medal.-VNS