Hanoi (VNA) – Taekwondoathletes of Vietnam will meet many difficulties on their way to thechampionship at the ongoing 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31),  according to the Organising Committee of SEA Games 31. 

According to head coach of the national team Vu Anh Tuan, the preparation by Vietnamese taekwondo fighters has followedthe schedule.

The athletes are in thebest heath condition and fortunately there are no serious injuries affectingthe team's personnel, the head coach said.

The squad’s early gathering at Tay Ho district’s gymnasium from May 9 is areally favourable condition for the athletes to be able to achieve their goalsbecause getting acquainted with venues is really important in the preparationwork, Tuan said.

However, there are many other issues that will affect the Vietnamese athletes'performance, he noted, saying the strength of opponents must be taken intoaccount.

In Southeast Asia, taekwondo fighters have reached the world level in manyweight categories, even some have held Olympic championships, Tuan said.

To SEA Games 31, Thailand has sent female taekwondofighter Panipak Wongpattanakit, who had a podiumfinish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

This shows that Thailand and other countriesattach great importance to the SEA Games playground, which makes it more difficultfor Vietnamese athletes to win the championship at the regional sports event,Tuan stressed./.