Vietnam builds COVID-19 prevention, control plans for SEA Games 31
The host Vietnam has built COVID-19 prevention and control measures, part of the preparations for the upcoming 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31), as regional sports delegations show a concern about the work.
Trinh Hoai Duc gymnasium in Hanoi, which is to host judo and kurash competitions (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) –⛎ The host Vietnam has built COVID-19 prevention and control measures, part of the preparations for the upcoming 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31), as regional sports delegations show a concern about the work.
At the recentsecond Chefs de Mission Meeting of the Games, Deputy Director of the VietnamSports Administration Tran Duc Phan told delegates that in the face of complexdevelopments of COVID-19, Vietnam has devised three options of allowing fullcapacity, restricting or barring spectators. In case nofans are allowed in competition venues over COVID-19 concerns, all individualsare required to wear face masks, except for competing athletes. If capacityrestrictions are observed, seats will be arranged to maintain distance amongspectators. As for the no-restriction plan, spectators must still observe the 5K message on the prevention of the spread of the virus. The commuteof sports delegations and athletes must be held in a closed routine. Arrivalswill take COVID-19 rapid antigen test within 24 hours. Any found contracting the virus may stay in quarantine at hotels if theydevelop no or mild symptoms. Those with severe symptoms will be transferredto assigned medical facilities. Athletes havingcontact with COVID-19 positives are eligible to compete and notbe quarantined. Theorganising board will cover COVID-19 testing and treatment costs for medicalincidents handled at competition venues and accommodation facilities. Sportsdelegations are to bear hospital bills, insurance and other costs. The SEAGames 31, themed “For a stronger South East Asia”, will run in Hanoi and 11neighbouring localities from May 12 to 23. It will feature 40 sports with 526events and expect to attract around 10,000 participants. The biennial event wasinitially slated for late 2021 but delayed due to the pandemic’s impact./.
The second SEA Games Chefs de Mission Meeting of the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games was held both in person and via videoconference in Hanoi on March 18.
Representatives from Southeast Asian sport delegations highly valued Vietnam’s preparations for the upcoming 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31), while inspecting some competition venues for the Games in Hanoi on March 19.
A sports delegation of ASEAN countries toured some competition venues for the upcoming 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) in the northern province of Quang Ninh on March 19.
The official song for the upcoming 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) was revealed during a ceremony held in Hanoi on March 20 which honoured outstanding athletes and coaches of the country last year.
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.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
Trinh Hoai Duc gymnasium in Hanoi, which is to host judo and kurash competitions (Photo: VNA) 
