SEA Games 31 - a demonstration of solidarity, friendship: PM
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced the official closing of the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) on May 23, describing the event as a demonstration of regional solidarity, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.
The SEA Games 31 closing ceremony in Hanoi on May 23 evening (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Prime MinisterPham Minh Chinh announced the official closing of the 31st SoutheastAsian Games (SEA Games 31) on May 23, describing the event as a demonstrationof regional solidarity, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.
Addressing the closingceremony, he said it was Vietnam’s honour to welcome distinguished guestsand more than 10,000 athletes, coaches, and referees to SEA Games 31 - theregion’s biggest sporting event.
The PM noted the COVID-19pandemic forced the Games to be delayed from November 2021 to May 2022, but it hasmade the countries become even closer together, more united, and determined toweather all difficulties and challenges to successfully organise SEA Games 31.
The countries gathered at theGames to help affirm ASEAN’s vision and mission of solidarity, peace,friendship, cooperation, and development, according to the Vietnamese leader.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the SEA Games 31 closing ceremony on May 23. (Photo: VNA)
Minister of Culture, Sportsand Tourism Nguyen Van Hung, Chairman of the Organising Committee, said thesuccess of SEA Games 31 was reflected in not only efforts by hosts Vietnam butalso other countries’ wholehearted support, the medals, new records, as well astheir honesty and nobility, promising a bright future for the region’s sports.
He noted 1,759 medals wereawarded, including 525 golds, 522 silvers, and 712 bronzes, while 30 newrecords set. Vietnam went down in the Games’ history with 205 gold medals and17 records.
At the closing ceremony, theOrganising Committee honoured four athletes with outstanding performance,namely swimmer Nguyen Huy Hoang and runner Nguyen Thi Oanh of Vietnam, swimmerJing Wen Quah of Singapore, and runner Joshua Robert Atkinson of Thailand.
Vietnam also handed over theSoutheast Asian Games Federation flag to Cambodia, which will host the 32nd SEA Games in 2023./.
Vietnam has wrapped up their SEA Games 31 run at the top of the medal table with 205 golds. Thailand came second with 92 golds and Indonesia third with 69.
Vietnam have wrapped up their SEA Games 31 run at the top of the medal table with 205 golds, including the much-anticipated one in the men’s football claimed on May 22 night. Thailand came second with 92 golds and Indonesia third with 69.
Football fans nationwide hit the streets in massive numbers, recreating scenes of frenzied pre-pandemic jubilation after Vietnam beat Thailand to claim the SEA Games 31 gold on May 22.
The Vietnam Recreational and Electronic Sport Association (VIRESA) will assist the E-Sport Federation of Cambodia (EFC) to organise e-sports events at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 32) in Cambodia next year.
The 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) wrapped up with a ceremony imbued with Vietnam’s cultural identity at the Hanoi Indoor Games Gymnasium on May 23 evening.
It is the first time that the country is to hold a G1-level tournament which is expected to lure more than 100 athletes of 15 countries and regions at Go Vap Gymnasium.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
The SEA Games 31 closing ceremony in Hanoi on May 23 evening (Photo: VNA) 
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the SEA Games 31 closing ceremony on May 23. (Photo: VNA) 
