Five hundred athletes from 48 teams across the country are involved in the 2013 national track-and-field championships which opened in Ha Noi on September 22.

Those coming from the Army, Ha Noi, Thanh Hoa, Vinh Long, Nam Dinh, Da Nang, An Giang and Khanh Hoa are the most hopeful for 50 sets of medals.

On the first day of competition, Tang Van Hai (Vinh Long) won a gold medal with his 50m29 hammer throw.  Ha Noi took the lead in the women’s 4x800m relay and Dak Lak in the men’s 4x800m relay.

Dao Xuan Cuong (Ha Noi) grabbed a gold medal in the men’s 400m hurdling clocked at 51”89.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Phuc (Da Nang) retained her champion title in the women’s 20km walk with a record of 1h44’41”. In the men’s 20km walk, Thanh Ngung (Da Nang) clinched a gold medal, clocked at 1h37’16”.

Bui The Anh (Army) and Pham Thi Binh (Quang Ngai) topped the list of the men’s and women’s marathon events, clocked at 2h39’18” and 2h54’47”, respectively.

The tournament, expected to select the best athletes in preparation for the 27th SEA Games in Myanmar, will last until September 25.

(Source: VOV)