Vietnam finished the second event at the Asian Winter Games in Sapporo, Japan, on February 23, with Nguyen Duc Manh coming in last in the men’s cross-country skiing event.
Manh, who carried Vietnam national flag at the opening ceremony on February 19, completed his 10km stage with a time of 1hr 4.30min. His result would have been better if his ski had not broken half way. It prevented him from speeding up and ended with him just trying to finish the competition.
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| Nguyen Duc Manh of Vietnam competes at the men’s cross-country skiing event during the Asian Winter Games in Japan (Photo webthethao.vn ) |
It was first time that Manh and his teammates were taking part in a Winter Games. One of the nation’s leading athletes, he had trained in skiing for several months to prepare for the Sapporo Games.
Arika Lenting of Japan took the gold medal with a time of 25:15.06. Kim Magnus of the Republic of Korea earned a silver, and Kohei Shimizu of the hosts took the bronze.
After four days of competition, Japan are on top of the medal tally with 14 gold, 15 silver and 16 bronze medals. The Republic of Korea are close behind with 14 golds and 12 silvers. China are at third with six titles.
Vietnam’s three representatives will compete in the last sport of men’s slalom of the Alpine Skiing event today.
