Hanoi (VNA) –𓃲 Athletics competitions of SEA Games 31 wrapped up on May 19 with the lastfour events and host Vietnam retaining its ‘throne’.
The Vietnamese delegation made history by winning 22 goldmedals, surpassing its set target of 15-17. Track and field continued to be Vietnam’s ‘gold mine’ at the region's largest sporting event. With these achievements, Vietnam topped the athletics medaltally for three consecutive years. On May 19 morning alone, athletes of the host nation bagged golds in three out offour events. Hoang Nguyen Thanh brought home the first ever gold medal inthe men’s marathon at SEA Games, quenching Vietnam’s thirst after more than 60years.
Marathoner Hoang Nguyen Thanh (Photo: VNA)
Thanh faced fierce competition from defending champion AgusPrayogo of Indonesia and Tony Ah-Thit Payne of Thailand. He reached the finish line first after 2:25:08, faster thanthe second-placed Prayogo by 30 seconds, and set a new personal record. Vo Xuan Vinh and Nguyen Thi Thanh Phuc also triumphed in themen’s and women’s 20km walk, respectively. Previously, Nguyen Linh Na pocketed a gold in the women’s heptathlonfor Vietnam after 17-year drought. Bui Thi Nguyen clocked 13.51 to win a gold in the women’s100m hurdles, while Lo Thi Hoang sprang a surprise in the women’s javelin throwwith 56.37m, setting a new SEA Games record. Runners Nguyen Thi Oanh and Nguyen Thi Huyen wereoutstanding gold medallists of Vietnam. Oanh successfully defended her title in her three fortes: the women’s 1,500m; 5,000m and 3,000m steeplechase, in which she broke her ownrecord set in the previous SEA Games. This year, Huyen claimed the 10th gold for her collection ofgold medals at SEA Games. The biggest regret was that Le Tu Chinh was ruled out of SEA Games 31 by injuries, a considerable loss to the host country in the women’s100m and 200m races and 4x100m relay. She used to pocket four gold medals atthe two previous Games. Athletic events took place at My Dinh National Stadium inHanoi from May 14 to 19. Success in athletics, dubbed ‘Queen of Sports’ and a popularOlympic one, proved that Vietnam has been on the right track in investment strategyof sports. General Secretary of the Vietnam Athletics Federation NguyenManh Hung expressed his hope that recent achievements will inspire youngtalents so that the country’s athletics will take off further. At SEA Games 29 held in Malaysia in 2017, the team obtainedup to 17 gold medals for the first time in the regional sporting event’shistory, almost doubling Thailand’s results, though the initial target was setat about 10 - 12 golds. Two years later, track and field athletes of Vietnam won 16golds, 13 silvers, and nine bronzes, sustaining their top place on the medaltable at SEA Games 30 in the Philippines. SEA Games 31, themed “For a Stronger South East Asia”, isbeing held in Hanoi and 11 neighbouring provinces and cities until May 23. It features 40 sports with 523 events, attracting around10,000 participants. The biennial event was initially slated for late 2021 butdelayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic./.
Vietnam had claimed 125 gold, 76 silver and 74 bronze medals as of May 18 evening, the sixth official competition day of the ongoing SEA Games 31, retaining the top position in the medal table.
Sport fans across Southeast Asia have been impressed with images of two runners of the host Vietnam celebrating victory with their Timor Leste rival Felisberto De Deus at SEA Games 31.
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.
Runner Nguyen Thi Oanh (Photo: VNA) 
Marathoner Hoang Nguyen Thanh (Photo: VNA) 
