The 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31), the region’s biggest sporting event, officially began with a grand opening ceremony held at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on Thursday evening.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam and Speaker of the Singaporean Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin, attended the ceremony.

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh addressed the event, “We have overcome the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic and today we stand together to show the solidarity of the 11 Southeast Asian countries, who desire prosperity and new achievements. I wish the athletes great achievements and exciting experiences at SEA Games 31.”

The opening ceremony saw the presence of a large number of athletes and coaches from the 11 delegations who have been competing in 40 sports since May 4. The Vietnamese delegation comprises more than 1,300 members.

The ceremony looked to not only popularise images of Vietnam but also express the country’s readiness for integration, creativity, and contribution “For a Stronger Southeast Asia” as the theme of the Games goes. SEA Games 31 is taking place in Hanoi and 11 nearby localities until May 23.

Source: VOV5