Vietnam joins Army Games for the first time

At the event, more than 5,000 military officers from 33 countries competed in 28 events across seven nations – Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan and China.

The Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) sent 50 military officers and soldiers to the event, headed by Phan Hai Long, deputy chief of the staff of the VPA’s tank and armour corps. 

According to Long, the Vietnamese delegation engaged in the tank racing, field kitchen and field medical support events.

As it was their first time competing, the team faced difficulties in terms of competition rules and access to modern army equipment. They therefore aimed to learn from their international peers instead of focusing on medals. 

The Army Games was initiated by Russia in 2015.