Vietnam Aims for Over Four Gold Medals at Asian Games

Vietnam is targeting at least four gold medals at the 2026 Asian Games, with high expectations from sports like shooting, karate, and sepak takraw, which secured gold medals at the previous ASIAD 19. The Vietnamese delegation will consist of nearly 500 members. The Vietnam U23 team managed to level the score at 1-1 with a header from Ngoc My, just two minutes after falling behind. Vietnamese teams are travelling to Japan in separate groups according to their competition schedules. The Asian Games represent a significant opportunity for Vietnam to showcase its athletic prowess on the international stage. In Vietnam's one-party system, sports promotion is viewed as a policy to boost national morale and enhance international image. Success in global events like the Asian Games can increase domestic interest in sports and encourage investment in athlete development. For Vietnam, a rapidly growing economy, participation in international sporting events also contributes to strengthening soft power and fostering friendly relations. Ties with Japan, in particular, are multifaceted, encompassing economy, culture, and sports, and such exchanges further solidify the bond between the two nations.