PANO – Division 316 of Military Zone 2 (MZ2) kicked off a defense-sport festival and a military militia-self defense shooting contest 2016 on August 19, in the presence of Maj. Gen. Dau Dinh Toan, Head of the Military Training Department under the General Staff and Maj Gen Phung Si Tan, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of MZ2.

Maj Gen Phung Si Tan, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of MZ2 speaking at the opening ceremony
A parade at the opening ceremony

The event drew the participation of 1,124 athletes from units, schools and provincial military commands of the zone. During the 9-day competition, the contestants will compete in such events as men’s K54 shooting lessons 1, 4, 5 and women’s K54 shooting lessons 1, 4; AK shooting lessons 1, 4, 5; PKMS shooting lesson 1, 4; PT performance; military hurdles race; swimming; 10km race; football; volleyball; table tennis and badminton.

Participating teams at the event

Speaking at the opening ceremony, General Tan held that the festival serves as an opportunity to evaluate training quality and sport movements of constituent units of MZ2 as well as improve PT for troops to fulfil assigned missions. The event is also part of the activities to mark the 71st anniversary of August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (December 2) prior to the 70th founding anniversary of the MZ (October 19, 1946).

Gen. Tan presenting commemorative flags to representatives of participating teams
Gen. Tan encouraging athletes before the competition

Translated by Hong Thanh