Around 150 soldiers from eight countries participated in a parade in Hanoi Tuesday as Vietnam hosted two contests under the Army Games 2021. 

The opening ceremony for the two events – Sniping Frontier and the Military Medical Relay Race – took place Tuesday morning at the National Military Training Center 4.

A contingent carries the red flag at the ceremony. 

It is the first time that Vietnam is hosting competitions under the Army Games.

Soldiers from Bangladesh at the parade.

Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Nghia, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, said the competitions would help soldiers hone their skills and experience, as well as providing a chance for cultural and artistic exchanges, strengthening relations between the countries' militaries.

The Belarus contingent.

The Sniping Frontier competition is divided into four categories that test the skills and speed of individuals, pairs and teams.

The Laos contingent.

The Military Medical Relay Race will have each team having a maximum of 15 members participate in three phases of obstacle and relay races. In getting to the finish line, the teams would need to pass through various obstacles and fulfill certain tasks like putting out fires and supporting the wounded on the way.

The military team of Mali marches.

The contingent from Russia, founder of the Army Games.

The Uzbekistan contingent.

The Venezuela contingent.

Hosts Vietnam.

Vietnam has sent its soldiers to the Army Games three times (2018-2020) thus far.

Lieutenant General Nghia hands out flags to commemorate the event.

The competitions will be held Tuesday to Friday, and a closing ceremony on Saturday.

Following the opening ceremony, representatives visit the opening of a cultural and arm exhibition as part of the Games.

The Army Games 2021 is being held from August 22 to September 4. A total of 260 teams from 45 countries and territories are participating in the event, competing in 34 competitions. This year's the first time an Army Games is hosted in different countries on different continents.