(VOVworld) – Around 9,000 people took part in relay run around Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake on Sunday, the first of kind in Southeast Asia. Vietnam is the 6^th leg of the run after Brunei, the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand to anticipate the Sea Games 29 and Para Games 9 to be held in Malaysia in August.

Shooter Hoang Xuan Vinh leads the athletes from the start (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

Vuong Bich Thang, Head of the Vietnam’s General Department for Sports, said: “The relay run organized in all ASEAN members boosts unity and friendship between their peoples and encourages athletes to achieve higher results.”

Sea Games 29 will take place from August 19 to 31 in Malaysia and athletes will compete in 38 sports with 405 events. It will be followed by the Para Games from September 17 to 23.