HANOI (19 Feb 2011) – Following the announcement by the Indonesia Olympic Committee (KONI) that women’s football will not be part of the SEA Games 2011 in November, defending champions Vietnam have since changed their focus to the Olympic Games 2012 qualifiers.
Other than women’s football, KONI have also left out other Olympic sports like shooting, cycling and sailing events.
Among the new sports which KONI have included for the 11-25 November 2011 event, are bridge, paragliding, roller-skating, wall climbing and the Vietnamese martial art vovinam.
“At present, the team is doing their physical strength training at the Tam Dao Sports Centre in the northern province of Vinh Phuc where the weather is very severe. It rains all day and is very cold,” said chief coach Chen Yun Fat.
“We always define that we must try our best against any rival at any tournament.”
Chen also revealed that six young talented footballers have been added to the team and that the FIFA qualifying tournament would hone their skills and experience.
The Asian Zone qualifiers start in March having three phases until September to determine the two teams that will represent Asia.
Vietnam are in group A against traditional rivals Thailand, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei and Myanmar.
The first phase of qualification is on 8-27 March 2011.
