CULTURE AND SPORT

China's top film director Zhang Yimou has said he violated the country's one-child policy because of the traditional belief that having multiple children would lead to greater prosperity, state media said.

The FIFA World Cup trophy arrived in Hanoi on December 31, beginning a Vietnam visit that will last until January 2, 2014.

Chess champion Tran Tuan Minh from Hanoi secured the third place at the U16 event of the 2013 World Championships, which concluded in Al Ain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on December 29.

Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher was in critical condition after undergoing brain surgery following a weekend skiing accident that has stunned drivers, fans and athletes around the world.

A cycling tournament kicked off in HCM City on the morning of the December 29 as part of New Year celebrations.

Chief coach Do Dinh Khang has confirmed female weightlifter Nguyen Thi Kim Van was retrospectively awarded two gold and one bronze 2013 Asian Championship medals following a spate of positive drug tests from regional competitors.

More than 100 domestic and overseas Vietnamese artists, beauty queens and models will appear at the 26th Duyen Dang Viet Nam (Charming Vietnam) gala to be held at Hoa Binh Theatre in HCM City on January 10 and 11.

Valuable woodblocks used for rudimentary printing in the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) will be introduced to the public for the first time during the Da Lat Culture Tourism Week 2013 from December 27-31.

Vietnamese world No 10 ranked Nguyen Tien Minh will compete at the upcoming Victor Korean Open badminton tournament in Seoul.

The debate may be raging over whether the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar should be switched to the winter, but the local organisers are content with sticking to the original summer dates.

Outstanding Vietnamese athletes will receive extra rewards for their achievements at the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar.

Thirty oil paintings by Vietnamese artists, featuring people throughout the world who supported Vietnam during its wars and development process, are on display in downtown Hanoi.

Coach Hoang Van Phuc immediately resigned after the team's return from 27th SEA Games, taking responsibility for the weak performance of the team.

Vietnamese football fans will have a chance to see the 2014 World Cup trophy on January 1 in Hanoi.

The 27th SEA Games successfully closed in Myanmar on December 22 after 11 days of competition in the spirit of friendship and solidarity.

Mau Thanh Thuy beat out three other finalists and was crowned as the winner of Vietnam's Next Top Model 2013.

Those who try to visit the Zone 9 entertainment area in Hanoi may be disappointed from December 23, as it will close early.

Veteran painter Do Duc will again display his love for the rugged region of Ha Giang through his artworks, which are on display at his latest show opening on Friday.

As the 27th SEA Games in Myanmar has one day to go, Vietnamese athletes have surpassed their 70-gold medal target, bagging a total of 72 golds as of 04.30pm pm on December 21.