The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense held an opening ceremony to kick-start the Military Medical Relay Race and Sniper Frontier contests of the 2021 International Army Games in Hanoi on Tuesday morning.

The contests are part of the ongoing International Army Games, annually organized by the Ministry of Defense of the Russia Federation since 2015.

This is the fourth time Vietnam has taken part in the Games, but the first time it has become a host. 

Participating countries in the two events from Tuesday to Friday include Bangladesh, Belarus, Laos, Mali, Russia, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and the host country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Nghia, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and head of the organizing board, said that Vietnam’s hosting the Military Medical Relay Race and Sniper Frontier contests affirms the strong cooperation relationship among the Vietnam People’s Army, the Russian Armed Forces, and the militaries of the participating countries.

Lieutenant General Nghia expected that the competitions will help servicemen hone their skills, gain experience in using weapons and equipment, and improve their ability to protect the people against non-traditional and traditional security challenges.

They will also be an opportunity for cultural and art exchanges, enhancing understanding and further tightening the friendship and relations between the militaries of the participating countries.

Rear Admiral Subbotin Andrei Nikolaevich, representative of the International Army Games’ organizing board under the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, spoke highly of Vietnam’s preparations for the contests.

“The organization of such competitions greatly contributes to the development of international cooperation and strengthens the trust between countries and, most importantly, between their armies,” Rear Admiral Nikolaevich said.

The exchange of experience among servicemen in sports festivals and finding new solutions in military training will certainly enhance their professionalism, he added.

The 2021 International Army Games officially started on August 22 and is scheduled to conclude on Saturday.

Thirty-four competition events are held in 11 countries and contested by 277 teams from 43 countries and territories, marking the largest International Army Games edition since its introduction.

Vietnam won two bronze medals in the Safe Route and Meridian contests in Russia on Sunday.

The Southeast Asian country also claimed a silver medal in the Sea Cup event in Russia on Saturday.

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