After leaving Hanoi late on September 15, the first group arrived at Chubu Airport in Aichi Prefecture on September 16. The national teams are travelling to Japan in several groups, according to the competition schedules of their respective sports.

The first group comprises 100 members, including 21 members of the shooting team, 10 from karate, 34 from rowing, 18 from wushu and 17 delegation officials. The group is led by Nguyen Hong Minh, deputy director of the Vietnam Sports Authority.

A farewell ceremony for the Vietnamese sports delegation was held at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on the evening of September 15.

At the ceremony, Vietnam Sports Authority Director Nguyen Danh Hoang Viet called on the delegation members to maintain their health, uphold solidarity, comply with the laws of the host country and give their best in competition. He also stressed that each member would serve as an “ambassador” helping promote Vietnam’s image to international friends.

Ready for flag-raising ceremony on September 18

The Vietnamese sports delegation will attend the ASIAD 20 flag-raising ceremony on the morning of September 18 in Aichi-Nagoya, ahead of the opening ceremony one day later. The ceremony will mark the delegation’s official presence at the 20th Asian Games.

According to the decision establishing the delegation, Vietnam’s sports delegation comprises 498 members, including 349 athletes, competing in 33 sports and disciplines. The delegation has set a target of winning at least four gold medals, with some official sources putting the target at four to six golds and aiming for a place in the top 20 of the medal table.

The national teams will continue travelling to Japan according to their competition schedules. Members competing in events held later will arrive subsequently to align with their training plans and professional requirements.

ASIAD 20 Aichi-Nagoya will take place from September 19 to October 4, 2026, bringing together sports delegations from across Asia to compete in 43 sports and 71 disciplines, with 469 medal events under the updated competition programme.

Although the opening ceremony of ASIAD 20 will be held on September 19, some sports have already begun, including men’s and women’s football. In women’s football, Vietnam lost 2-1 to Chinese Taipei in their Group E opener on September 14. In men’s football, Vietnam drew 1-1 with Kuwait in their opening Group C match on September 15, while Uzbekistan beat the Philippines 5-1 in the other Group C match.

Vietnam targets 4-6 gold medals as 498-member delegation heads to ASIAD 20

VOV.VN -Vietnam has registered a 498-member delegation, including 349 athletes competing across 214 events in 33 sports, for the 20th Asian Games (ASIAD) in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The delegation aims to secure four to six gold medals and break into the top 20 overall.