The world's biggest military sporting event kicked off on August 23 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre, Patriot Park on the outskirts of Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the International Army Games 2021 in a Moscow suburb, Russia on August 23. Photo: Xinhua

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the International Army Games 2021, President Vladimir Putin stressed that Russian weapons “had help protected the security of many countries around the world.”

The International Army Games is an annual military sporting event organized by the Ministry of Defense of Russia (MoD). The event, which was first held in August 2015, involves close to 30 countries taking part in dozens of competitions over two weeks to prove their skills. The games have been referred to as the War Olympics.

The games this year will take place from August 23 to September 4 across 11 countries. Over 280 teams from 42 countries will demonstrate their military skills and their determination to win.

In parallel with the Army Games, the Army Forum 2021 is also being held with the participation of representatives of 115 countries. More than 28,000 products and technologies in the defense sector are displayed within the framework of the forum.

After a brief opening ceremony, the Army Games 2021 officially started with the Tank Biathlon- the most anticipated contest of the Army Games at the Alabino training ground, Moscow (Russia).

Vietnam tank crew attends Tank Biathlon competition, Army Games 2021. Photo: armygames.vn

In the qualifying match for Group 1 of Tank Biathlon 2021, the Vietnamese team took second place with a timing of 24 minutes 59 seconds. The Mongolian team finished first with 24 minutes and 04 seconds.

Vietnam tank crew were crowned champion of Group 2 of the Tank Biathlon competition last Army Games in 2020.

This is the fourth time Vietnam has participated in the Games. The team will compete in 17 games, including Tank Biathlon, Safe Route, Sea Cup, True Friend, Sniper Frontier, Gunsmith Master, Masters of Artillery Fire, Clear Sky, Safe Environment, Military Medical Relay Race, Field Kitchen, and Emergency Area, among others.

Previously, the Vietnamese contingent attended the Sea Cup contest for the first time at Primorye, Vladivostok City, Russia on August 23.

The Frigate 016-Quang Trung (Brigade 162, Naval Region 4) competed with the missile defense ship called Sovershenny numbered 333 from Russia and China’s Guanyuan ship.

In Hanoi, the lot-drawing ceremony for the “Sniper Frontier” competition within the framework of the International Army Games 2021 in Vietnam was held at the National Military Training Center No.4 on August 23. Major General Tran Van Ba, Deputy Director of the Military Training Department under the General Staff attended the ceremony.