(VOVworld)-  Vietnamese athletes officially joined the Asian Winter Games following a flag raising ceremony held on Saturday in Sapporo City, Japan.

Vietnam joins a Winter Games for the first time (Photo: VNA)

Taking place for one week, the games attracts 2,000 athletes from 31 countries and territories in Asia including two guest teams from Australia and New Zealand. The athletes will compete in 64 events of five sports. Participating in a Winter Games for the first time, six Vietnamese athletes will compete in three events, including Alpine skiing on Monday, snowboarding on Wednesday and cross-country skiing on Thursday. Competing at this games helps Vietnam prepare for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics 2018 in the Republic of Korea.