The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Hanoi People’s Committee on November 21 jointly held a ceremony to mark. Vietnam’s hosting the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) next year.
Representatives of the ministry, the municipal People’s Committee and embassies of Southeast Asian nations joined the ritual to start the one-year countdown for SEA Games 31. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the HanoiPeople’s Committee on November 21 jointly held a ceremony to mark Vietnam’shosting the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) next year.
During the 31st SEA Games kick-off ceremony, the organisersannounced the official website of SEA Games 31 and ASEAN Para Games 11, athanoi2021.com. The website provides information about the two tournaments,including venues and schedules.
Information about historical relic sites, culture, food andaccommodation is also available at the website.
On this occasion, representatives of the ministry, themunicipal People’s Committee and embassies of Southeast Asian nations joined theritual to start the one-year countdown for SEA Games 31.
In his remarks, Minister of Culture, Sports and TourismNguyen Ngoc Thien, head of the SEA Games 31 organising board, said SEA Games 31and ASEAN Para Games 11 are the biggest sporting events in the region.
This is the second time Hanoi has hosted the events, he said,pledging that despite COVID-19, Vietnam will make all-out efforts in thepreparation and organisation work, thus demonstrating solidarity, friendshipand mutual understanding among the ASEAN countries.
The 31st SEA Games kick-off ceremony aims to raise publicawareness of the significance of hosting the event, the minister said.
Chu Ngoc Anh, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, saidHanoi has become an attractive and safe destination for both domestic visitorsand international friends.
Given the complex development of COVID-19 this year, the cityhas tried its best to complete the dual goals of containing the pandemic andrecovering socio-economic activities, he said, noting that in 2020, it hassuccessfully organised major national and international events.
On the occasion, the organising board also announced the mascot of SEA Games 31 and ASEAN Para Games 11, which is the Saola, a rare and precious species of mammal in Vietnam's forests, and the events' logo which features a flying bird and V-shapedhand./.
Saola has been officially selected as mascot of SEA Games and ASEAN PARA Games 11 to be held in Hanoi in 2021; while a logo symbolising a flying bird and V-shaped hand has been chosen to be the official logo for the events.
The logo and mascot for the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) and the 11th ASEAN Para Games were officially launched during a ceremony in Hanoi on November 19.
Many important contents about the organisation of the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) in Vietnam in 2021 were approved at a working session of the committee for sports and law in the framework of the second meeting of the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) on November 19 in Hanoi.
The 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31), to be hosted by Vietnam, is expected to feature 40 sports and more than 520 categories, heard the second meeting of the Southeast Asian Games Federation Council which was held online on November 20.
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.
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.
Representatives of the ministry, the municipal People’s Committee and embassies of Southeast Asian nations joined the ritual to start the one-year countdown for SEA Games 31. (Photo: VNA) 
