ASEAN students' games kicks off in Hanoi

The games, which will last through December 22, attracted nearly 2,000 athletes from nine countries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Vice mayor of Hanoi Ngo Thi Thanh Hang welcomed university students, coaches and officials from the nine ASEAN countries to the games, saying the event will help promote friendship and cooperation between students and people from ASEAN countries.

Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Thien Nhan delivered a speech, declaring the opening of the games.

ASEAN students are competing for medals in 12 events: swimming, track-and-field, football, pencak silat, taekwondo, karatedo, tennis, chess, badminton, basketball, table tennis and volleyball.

Vietnam has sent 248 athletes to the games competing in all 12 events. They aim to be among the top three leaders of the medal tally.

Vietnam has already taken part in five AUGs. It ranked fifth at the 12th AUG in Indonesia in 2004.