Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, SEA Games 31 has been taking place with the thrills, all the pageantry and determination of the participating sports delegations, according to an article on news.yahoo.com.
The grand opening ceremony of SEA Games 31 held at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on May 12 (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Despitethe COVID-19 pandemic, the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31)- the largest sports event in the region - has been taking place with the thrills, all the pageantry and determination of the participating sportsdelegations, according to an article on news.yahoo.com.
The article said many sports tournaments had to be postponed or even canceledin the past two years because of the pandemic. SEA Games 31 also faced asimilar risk. However, the host country Vietnam has been doing all its best toensure that the event take place safely but still with a strong sports spirit.
The determination of Vietnamwas shown partly in the grand opening ceremony of SEA Games 31 held at the MyDinh National Stadium in Hanoi on May 12, which was joined by thousands of athletes and unremittingapplause of audiences.
Besides Vietnam'sefforts, athletes were undeterred by disruptions, it noted.
The article said that the past two years has certainly been a tumultuous period forthe athletes of this region. Some have quit from their chosen sports amid allthe uncertainties, and moved on to their next careers. Others have suffereddips in forms as their training regimens got disrupted.
Yet, there are also many debutants at thisHanoi Games. Singapore, for instance, has 243 debutants out of its 427participating athletes - more than half of its travelling contingent, the article noted,adding that amid the COVID turmoil, these athletes have seized theiropportunities in qualifying for this event.
So no matter how much the Games has beenaffected by COVID, it is easy to still be swept up by its distinct charms, thearticle said./.
Vietnam’s U23 football team secured a berth in the semifinals of SEA Games 31 after winning 2-0 against Timor Leste in its final Group A match at Phu Tho’s Viet Tri Stadium on May 15.
Thailand thrashed Laos 5-0 in the last match of Group B in women's football at the ongoing SEA Games 31 on May 15 at Cam Pha stadium in the northern province of Quang Ninh.
The Indonesian U-23 men’s football team defeated Myanmar rival 3-1 in a match of SEA Games 31 held Viet Tri stadium, the northern province of Phu Tho, on May 15.
Vietnamese swimmers earned one gold and three silver medals and set a new SEA Games record on May 15, the second competition day of swimming at the 31st Southeast Asian Games.
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 grand opening ceremony of SEA Games 31 held at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on May 12 (Photo: VNA) 
