SEA Games 31: badminton world champion and his golden dream
Loh Kean Yew, who was crowned badminton world champion last December, desires to shine at SEA Games, and this year's Games will be the Singaporean athlete’s fourth.
Singapore's Loh Kean Yew in action against Japan's Koki Watanabe during their men's singles match in the Badminton Asia Championships 2022 at Muntinlupa, the Philippines, on Apr 28, 2022. (Photo: AP)
Hanoi (VNA) - Loh Kean Yew, who was crowned badminton world championlast December, desires to shine at Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), and thisyear's Games held in Vietnam will be the Singaporean athlete’s fourth which he holds particularly close to his heart.
"SEAGames is one of the Games where you can represent Singapore with the rest ofthe contingent. It'll feel different," the world No. 10 told Channel News Asia.
Loh has never won agold in SEA Games. He secured a silver in 2019, losing to Malaysia's Lee ZiiJia in the final.
"I'vegotten bronze and silver in the individual event, but have never gotten goldbefore. Naturally, that is my goal, my target," he said.
Thelast time Singapore won the men's singles at the SEA Games was in 1983 on homesoil, courtesy of Wong Shoon Keat./.
Souvenirs and other items associated with SEA Games 31 are being sold on many streets around Hanoi and also on e-commerce platforms, for sports fans to show their love for the athletes and the region’s biggest sporting event.
The atmosphere surrounding SEA Games 31 has permeated into every corner of Hanoi, with streets and stadiums beautifully decorated and an array of souvenirs especially designed for the region’s largest sporting event on sale nearly everywhere.
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.
Singapore's Loh Kean Yew in action against Japan's Koki Watanabe during their men's singles match in the Badminton Asia Championships 2022 at Muntinlupa, the Philippines, on Apr 28, 2022. (Photo: AP) 
