Karate champ lectures in Istanbul; Kickboxers train in Thailand; Asian world cueists compete at AIG; AIG Park to open on schedule

Nguyen Hoang Ngan will be Viet Nam’s sole karate representative at the Istanbul Open.

The world champion has been invited as one of three experts who will give lectures to athletes in the run-up to the tournament.

The Istanbul Open features four age groups of under-17, U20, over-20 and U50 with total prize money of US$100,000.

More than 40 countries and territories have registered to take part in the competition, including Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.

Kickboxers train in Thailand

Vietnamese kick boxers will participate in a training course in Thailand in preparation for the third Asian Indoor Games.

The kick boxers, who have had success in recent international competitions, are planning to compete with rivals from Thailand.

Viet Nam will send five competitors, three of whom are male, to the event that was organised by HCM City’s Rach Mieu Gymnasium for November 2-7.

Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat is expected to win a gold medal in the men’s U57kg category. Nhat pocketed a silver medal at the first Asian Martial Arts Games in Thailand in July.

Asian world cueists compete at AIG

The AIG billiard and snooker events have drawn many of Asia’s top rivals.

More than 250 athletes from 21 delegations have registered to compete in 10 billiards events.

Fung Kwok Wai of Hong Kong will come to protect his title in the men’s snooker team event. World champion Un Nooh Thechaiya of Thailand is a likely candidate to win the men’s singles snooker event. Syrian Damacus Al Jalaa will be another worthy rival in this event due to his wins in the past.

Chinese Taipei are expecting to dominate and are sending their three best athletes to compete in the women’s nine-pool event.

AIG Park to open on schedule

AIG Park is scheduled to be fully operational for the beginning of the games, said event organisers.

The park, which is in HCM City’s September 23 Park, is scheduled to open on October 29 and close on November 7.

The park will serve as a venue for the host’s traditional music and dancing performances. There will be an area designated for national cuisine, art, culture and customs.

Can Tho recruit new players

Can Tho is expecting to sign contracts with well known players for the new season.

With an investment of VND30 billion-VND50 billion (US$1.62-2.7 million) this year, the First Division club wants to have the former national striker Pham Van Quyen of Song Lam Nghe An, goalkeeper Dang Tuan Diep, halfback Ngoc Quang and defender The Phong from Hai Phong Cement.

The first player to sign with Can Tho is forward Le Quang Trai from former V-League champion, Hoang Anh Gia Lai.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News