(HBO) – Dato Amarjit Singh Gill, Vice President of Asian Cycling Federation, has said that the cycling event at the 31 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) had been successfully organised by Hoa Binh province - the host of the competition. The enthusiasm of the province’s cheering fans has contributed to its success, Gill said.
Leaders of Hoa Binh province give gifts to athletes of
the Vietnamese cycling team.
Although it was raining, a lot of fans came to the competition venue to cheer
for not only Vietnamese athletes but also those from other countries, he said,
adding that it helped create a noble sports spirit.
This feeling is also shared by other foreign delegates including athlete
Priatna Delia Ayustrina of the Indonesian team.
Priatna, who won a gold medal in the women's downhill biking event, said the
athletes received support from the local organising board in arranging
accommodation, adding that the staff at hotels where they stayed were very
helpful.
In addition to meals that are suitable for athletes' nutrition, athletes can
use many services at the hotels, such as gym, sauna and swimming pool which are
very good for them to recover after training, she said.
Mohd Basri Siti Natasha, one of the youngest members of the Malaysian cycling
team, said she felt nervous as this was the first time she took part in a
regional sports event. However, what surprised Mohd most was that as soon as
she finished her competition, many fans at the competition venue applauded
enthusiastically. Some local residents even wanted to make acquaintance and
took photos with her.
"People here are really friendly. They wave and smile to an athlete when he or
she arrives at the competition venue regardless of his or her nationality,” she
said, adding that it created a great atmosphere and helped them play better.
As for Fanani Zaenal, a member of the Indonesian team, he was impressed by the
fans beating their drums to cheer for the cyclistsduring the days of
competition in Hoa Binh.
Fanani participated in the men’s cross-country mountain biking event with a
distance of 18km. The road was long with many steep bends, especially when it
was raining, he recalled, adding that it was quite slippery.
A lot of local residents stood along both sides of the road to give
encouragement to the event’s participants and they carried a lot of red flags
with yellow stars. Indeed, Fanani felt some pressure when he saw that scene.
However, fans cheered for not only Vietnamese cyclists but also from other countries
which made athletes like him feel very happy and respectful.
Good impression of a friendly Hoa Binh is also a common feeling of foreign
athletes competing in the cycling event. The province organized many activities
to welcome the Games’ delegates including holding a warm reception for athletes
participating in the tournament and a "highland market” with unique cultural
features, aiming to introduce its specialties as well as offering free tours
for them.
The 31st SEA Games has officially closed with Vietnam ranked first in the medal
standings. Both international and domestic public opinions consider it as a
tournament full of records and warm people. Sharing about the organisation of
the event in Hoa Binh, Bui Thi Niem, Director of the provincial Department of
Culture, Sports and Tourism, deputy head of the local organising committee said
that despite facing difficulties and urgency due to the negative impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic, the province has tried its best to make the tournament a
success./.
In addition to their love for traditional sports, people in communes and towns in Lac Son district also have a special passion for volleyball - a sport that is easy to play, helping enhance collectivity and bring a lot of joy, motivation, and laughter.
On March 23rd, in Mai Chau district, 5 competition distances of Vietnam Ultra Marathon in 2024 (Vietnam Ultra Marathon 2024 - VUM 2024) organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mai Chau District’s People's Committee, Co., Ltd. Phu Thinh (Topas Travel) took place. This is the latest running race in the Topas Vietnam Trail Series and was held in Mai Chau district for the first time.
From March 21st – 23rd, the Department of Education and Training organized the Badminton - Table Tennis Tournament for students in Hoa Binh province in 2024.
The continuous sound of drums and the constant cheers of the viewers at each competition, the match have shown the appeal of the folk games. Having the opportunity to come to the festivals in Hoa Binh, visitors will be fascinated by the form of entertainment containing good traditional cultural values.
In two days, March 3rd – 4th, the Women's Union of Hoa Binh city coordinated with the Center for Culture, Sports and Information of the city to organize the 1st Women's Steam Volleyball Tournament in Hoa Binh in 2024.
Since early 2024, high-achievement sports athletes have received intensive training in preparation for provincial and national tournaments this year.
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