The tournament has attracted nearly 500 athletes from the Republic of Korea (RoK), Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong-China and Vietnam.

Athletes will take part in international competition (43 events) and city competition (32 events).

After the opening ceremony, athletes compete in weight lifting, high jump, long jump, and 100m, 400m and 800m run events.

Nguyen Trung Hinh, General Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Athletics Federation said most international athletes are young.

The tournament will help Vietnamese athletes broaden their experience in preparation for the 26^th SEA Games in Indonesia in November.