PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc presents the Labour Order, third class to the ASIAD gold medallists.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien also attended the meeting, where the PM commended the achievements of the Vietnamese sports delegation.

This year’s ASIAD saw Vietnam bring home four gold, 16 silver and 18 bronze medals, ranking 17th out of 45 countries and territories in the medal tally.

Continuing their run of excellent achievements, the Vietnam Olympic football team was praised for reaching the bronze-medal match for the first time ever. Although the team lost to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 4-3 in a penalty shootout, their performance was celebrated by fans and the boys returned to a hero’s welcome.

Vietnam’s place among the competition’s top four teams gives hope for the team to advance further at the continental level on the football pitch.

Speaking at the event, PM Phuc stressed that these results were more meaningful when they came to the occasion of the whole country celebrating its National Day (September 2).

Coaches and athletes showed their willingness and desire for Vietnam’s sporting success as well as a unity of spirit and pride for the country in the Asian event, he said.

This victory also builds the belief of the Vietnamese people in the nation’s sporting prowess, PM Phuc said.

Despite difficulties, the Party and State always paid attention to investing in sports and improving policies and mechanisms for coaches and athletes, the leader stressed.

PM Phuc asked the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to take measures to uphold the strength and continue bringing Vietnamese sports to new heights.