For the first time in the history of the Games, each nation that took part wasled by both a female and male athlete, as part of the International OlympicCommittee's efforts to push gender equality.
Swimmer Hoang and runner Lan were bestowed the honour by the Vietnam OlympicCommittee.
Amid the pomp and circumstances of the opening ceremony, the pair was followedby the Vietnamese team.
The 43-strong contingent is made up of 18 athletes who will compete in 11sports.
Weightlifting, shooting and taekwondo are the events considered Vietnam’s bestpossible chance of taking home a medal./.