Athletes Lan and Hoang flying the flag for the nation at Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony

Leading the Vietnamese contingent, athletes Quach Thi Lan and Nguyen Huy Hoang, proudly carried the national flag aloft during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics on July 23 night.

The Vietnamese sports delegation marches at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday

For the first time in the history of the Games, each nation that took part was led by both a female and male athlete, as part of the International Olympic Committee's efforts to push gender equality.

Swimmer Hoang and runner Lan were bestowed the honour by the Vietnam Olympic Committee.

Amid the pomp and circumstances of the opening ceremony, the pair was followed by the Vietnamese team.

The 43-strong contingent is made up of 18 athletes who will compete in 11 sports.

Weightlifting, shooting and taekwondo are the events considered Vietnam’s best possible chance of taking home a medal./.

VNA