VIENTIANE, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Some 152 Lao athletes are ready to compete in 16 sports and strive to make their mark at the 19th Asian Games in China's Hangzhou.
Lao athletes are competing in Wushu, sepak takraw, cycling, taekwondo, boxing, judo, karate, wrestling, ju-jitsu, swimming, golf, e-sports, gymnastics, baseball, shooting and track and field events.
With the Asian Games approaching, Laos' Wushu athletes are aiming for medals at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
"We have undergone an intensive training program for three months. We are ready for this fight. We will do our best to win a medal for the country," Wushu athlete Phon Saybounpheng told Xinhua on Wednesday.
Chinese coach Song Yanan, who has been working with Laos' Wushu athletes, said that Lao athletes are able to endure hardships, adding that their eagerness to learn and work hard impressed him.
Discussing their Chinese teammate, Lao Wushu coach Langsan Masopha told Xinhua that Song is a good teacher and has good technique that allows athletes to develop quickly.
"I believe that he can lead our athletes to success," he said.
Laos' Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune said he greatly appreciated the support the country's delegation had received from enterprises and the general public, which enabled Lao athletes to compete in the Asian Games and Para Games.
The 19th Asian Games will take place in Hangzhou between September 23 and October 8, featuring a total of 40 sports. It will be the third Asian Games to be hosted in China, after Beijing 1990 and Guangzhou 2010. ■
