Hanoi is determined to successfully hold the 31^st SEA Games and the ASEAN Para Games 11 this year, despite the negative impacts of Covid-19 pandemic, representative of Hanoi Department of Culture and Information said in a press conference on January 6.

SEA Games is the biggest sporting event in the region.

To make the event a success, a year before the opening of the 31^st SEA Games and ASEAN For Games 11, the Hanoi People's Committee collaborated with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to organize the "Kick-off the 31st SEA Games" program to disseminate the importance of this region's biggest sporting event among Vietnamese and international friends.

According to the director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Information To Van Dong, Hanoi is now ready for the two events in terms of both facilities and athletes.

“In 2020, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the plan of training athletes in foreign countries has been put off which affected the performance of athletes. However, Hanoi still strives to achieve over 30% of the nation’s medal totally,” Mr. To Van Dong said.

There are 40 sports are scheduled to be held with 520 competitions at the 31^st SEA Games, of which, Hanoi will host 26 sport events.

Meanwhile, Para Games 11 will feature 11 competitions, including Athletics, Swimming, Weightlifting, Table Tennis, Badminton, Chess, Boccia, Tennis, Judo for Blind, Rolling Ball for Blind and Archery.

The My Dinh Sports Complex of Hanoi will be the venue for the opening ceremony (November 21), the closing ceremony (December 2) and most of the competitions.

At the 31^st SEA Games, athletes will compete in four new sports including Bowling, E-sports, Triathlon and Jujitsu.