Ta Thanh Huyen, Luong Thi Thao, Ho Thi Ly and Pham Thi Thao completed the race in a time of 7:01.11, 3.27 seconds faster than the Iranian runners-up and 5.11 seconds faster than bronze medalists from South Korea.

The Vietnamese girls burst into tears at the finishing line as they quenched Vietnam’s thirst for gold after four days of competition.

The result was a much needed surprise after the failure of several hopes for gold.

“I have never thought that I can win gold medal in the continental leading event. We are very proud to bring the victory to the country,” said Huyen.

Mr. Tran Duc Phan, Chef de Mission of the Vietnam team in Indonesia couldn’t hide his joy.

“I am very happy and moved. The gold medal of rowing helped Vietnam team ease the pressure. It will be a driving force for other athletes to perform better,” said Mr. Tran.

With this result, Vietnamese rowers will receive VND650 million (US$28,260) from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam Olympic Committee and sponsors.

Vietnam took one more silver medal yesterday after wushu artist Bui Truong Giang lost to Shen Guoshun of China 2-0 in the men’s sanda 56kg category final.

Four years ago in Incheon, South Korea, Giang also bagged a silver medal after losing to a Chinese rival.

Giang, who was born in 1993 in the northern province of Thai Binh, won his first international bronze medal at the World Youth Wushu Championship in 2012 in Macau, China. He also won a silver medal at the World Youth Wushu Championships in 2014 in Turkey.

Vietnamcurrently wins 12 medals, one gold, four silvers and seven bronzes. (Vietnamnews.vn)