South Korea's CJ Group has pledged to support Vietnamese taekwondo athletes during continental and world competitions from 2013-19.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday with the group to carry out the six-year plan. The group will cover the costs for young female fighters to take part in training courses in preparation for the 17th ASIAN Games in South Korea, the second Youth Olympics in China next year, the Rio Olympics in Brazil in 2016 and the Asian Games in Viet Nam in 2019.

Athletes who win medals will also receive a US$100,000 bonus for a gold at the Olympics.

CJ Group will invite experienced South Korean coaches to train athletes. It is the second time the group has supported Viet Nam. The first was in 2012 when Viet Nam took part in the London Olympics.-VNS