SEA Games 31: Vietnam congratulated on football gold medals
The men’s and women’s football teams of Vietnam have received congratulations from foreign football federations for winning gold medals at the just-concluded 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31).
Vietnamese players show their joy after winning the men's football final against Thailand on May 22. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The men’sand women’s football teams of Vietnam have received congratulations from foreignfootball federations for winning gold medals at the just-concluded 31st Southeast AsianGames (SEA Games 31).
In his letter,President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Salman bin Ebrahim AlKhalifa described the teams’ victories as a positive sign showing the returnof global football.
He expressed his belief that withexcellent performance, the players will reap more successes in the future and inspiremany football clubs in Asia to work towards great attainments.
President of the Lao FootballFederation Viphet Sihachakr and his Myanmar counterpart Zaw Zaw also sentcongratulations and thanked hosts Vietnam for wholehearted welcome for their countries’ football teams during their stay for the Games.
Zaw Zaw spoke highly ofVietnam’s gold medals in football as well as bronze in the men’s futsal andsilver in the women’s futsal, affirming that this success came from not onlythe players’ spirit of competing to the last minute but also efforts byother members and fantastic support from fans.
Meanwhile, Viphet Sihachakrstressed that the teams’ success at SEA Games 31 showed efforts by all membersand the Vietnam Football Federation on the path to develop football in Vietnam.He also highlighted the close cooperation between the football federations ofLaos and Vietnam.
In his message, Yasser H.Almisehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, described theteams’ victories as a demonstration of the development of Vietnam’s football,highly valuing the country’s investment in both men’s and women’s football in therecent past.
Congratulating the teams on successfullydefending their SEA Games titles, President of the Japan Football AssociationTashima Kohzo called the men’s and women’s football gold medals in twoconsecutive Games an illustration of efforts by the entire football communityof Vietnam in the region’s biggest sporting event./.
The U-23 men’s football team of Vietnam beat its Thai archrival 1-0 in the final of the ongoing 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) held on its home soil to keep back the crown in a tense match on May 22.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on May 22 evening sent his congratulations to the men’s U23 football team and coach Park Hang-seo on their championship at SEA Games 31.
ESPN ran a front-page story headlined “Vietnam retain Southeast Asian Games gold medal against Thailand to prove they are still force to be reckoned with,” saying “even at the simplest level, it was a victory with plenty of significance.”
Vietnam’s 1-0 victory over Thailand in the SEA Games 31 men’s football final on May 22, helping it to successfully defend its title, has made headlines on the Republic of Korea (RoK)'s news outlets.
Nham Manh Dung’s leaping header in the 83rd minute giving Vietnam the SEA Games 31 men's football crown has made headlines on Thailand’s media, describing the news as a heartbreak for Thai fans.
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.
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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.
Vietnamese players show their joy after winning the men's football final against Thailand on May 22. (Photo: VNA) 
