The year of 2015 is coming to end after many unforgettable sporting events. Following are the top ten sporting events chosen by the Communist Party of Vietnam Online Newspaper.
1. The Vietnamese delegation ranked 3rd at SEA Games 28
Sending just over 400 athletes to compete in 28 events, the Vietnamese sports delegation finally ranked 3rd in the overall medal count, after the host Singapore and Thailand. The names Anh Vien (swimming), and Nguyen Thi Huyen or Le Trong Hinh (track and field) have helped domestic fans dream of further records in the future, of course, higher levels in the SEA Games competitions.
2. Ly Hoang Nam enters the history of nation’s tennis
A first in the nation’s tennis history, Ly Hoang Nam became a defending junior Grand Slam winner - having won the Wimbledon junior doubles trophy in July. Besides, the Tay Ninh province-origin Ly Hoang Nam, 18, has been described by tennisworldusa.org as the player listed in the top 1,000 rankings in the world.
He has also created a strong impetus for other athletes to play at the world level.
3. U23 Vietnam enters final round of 2016 AFC U23 football tour
Japanese coach Toshiya Miura and his U23 Vietnam players will compete in the finals of the 2016 AFC U23 Championship to be held in Qatar from January 12th to 30th, targeting to secure a place in the quarterfinal round.
The 18-day competition features 16 teams - hosts Qatar, ten group leaders and five best runner-up teams of the qualification tournaments - competing according to a round-robin format in four groups, with the top two teams from each group to automatically advance to the knock-out stage.
Vietnam was drawn in Group D along with Australia, Jordan and the UAE. As scheduled, Vietnam will play the opening clash against Jordan on January 14th before taking on Australia and the UAE on January 17th and 20th, respectively.
Earlier, Vietnam qualified for the 2016 AFC U23 finals as the third best runner-up of the qualification round held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia a few months ago, coming in second place in Group I with six points.
4. “Cetus” Anh Vien reaches continental level
At the recent SEA Games 28, swimmer Nguyen Thi Anh Vien, 19, demonstrated her excellent records, seeing no rival in the regional level. She bagged eight golds in all categories. Experts said that Anh Vien is able to equal play at Asia area and the world as well.
She becomes a symbol of young generation, full of energy and ambition to conquer higher peaks.
5. Vietnam surpassed targets at ASEAN Para Games
Pocketing 48 golds and breaking six records at ASEAN Para Games in Singapore, the Vietnamese sports delegation has surpassed its targets.
In the last several years, there has been strong development in disabled sports. In the near future, Vietnamese disabled athletes hope to play at a higher level as Asian Para Games or Paralympics.
6. FIFA scandal
This year, the world football community was shocked by scandals, directly targeting FIFA President Sepp Blatter. At least seven high-ranking FIFA officials were arrested for investigation. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), around 14 FIFA members and related federations have been involved with corruption cases.
Recently, by failing to explain the use of USD2 million in 2011, FIFA President Sepp Blatter and UEFA President Michel Platini were banned from any connection with football within eight years by the FIFA Ethics Committee. The case is being investigated.
7. Barcelona on the top of the world
By toasting the Champions League cup 2014-2015 season, Barcelona has become the first football club in Europe to record a “triple winning” for twice. The team, coached by Luis Enrique, won Liga and King's Cup. It is a symbol of unbreakable power. Currently, the Catalan giant toasted Super Cup and then topped the world by winning the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup.
8. Djokovic dominated the world
The Serbian tennis player enjoyed a remarkably successful year, conquering all four tours in the Grand Slam system. He entered final rounds, winning three cups in Australia, Wimbledon and the US.
Now, Novak Djokovic named 10 Grand Slam titles in his professional career. Furthermore, he has six Masters titles. Andy Murray, Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal are now unable to stand side by side with him.
9. First loss for “Steel hammer” Wladimir Klitschko
The world’s heavyweight boxing community has witnessed a “real shock” at seeing the first loss for “Steel hammer” Klitschko.
History turned a new page on November 29th as Tyson Fury shocked Wladimir Klitschko to take world heavyweight title in an unforgettable big game in Dusseldorf, Germany. There was no knock-out after 12 rounds. All three referees, however, united to announce the winner is Tyson Fury.
10. Chile first time won Copa America Championship
At the 44th Copa America Championship, the host Chile won the Cup for the first time in the tournament's 99-year history when they beat Argentina 4-1 on penalties after 90 minutes and extra-time failed to produce a goal.
This win demonstrates that the power balance in this regional football party does not all belong to Brazil and Argentina.
Source: cpv.org.vn
