Hanoi has basically completed all preparations for the upcoming 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31), said Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh after ending an inspection into Hanoi’s facilities for the regional event.

Anh, who is also head of the city's Steering Committee for SEA Games 31, reiterated the city’s commitment to hosting a safe SEA Games, leaving good impressions on international friends, and promoting the image of the friendly people of Vietnam.

"All districts of Hanoi hosting the event have the conditions prepared. The opening and closing ceremonies planned by the Hanoi People's Committee in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will deliver the message of a rising Vietnam and a stronger ASEAN community," Anh said.

The games featuring 40 sports with 526 events will take place from May 12 in Hanoi and 11 neighboring provinces and cities.

As scheduled, Hanoi will host 18 sports events for SEA Games 31 in 15 localities. As of May 3, the city has basically completed the upgrading of all infrastructure works serving the event.

The city has coordinated with the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Transport to ensure security and transport activities for the games, the mayor said, adding that the plan for Covid-19 prevention and control is also being finalized.

“Nineteen years since the 22nd SEA Games, Hanoi is again honored to host the opening and closing ceremonies and be the main venue for the SEA Games. Continuous efforts are being made to get the city ready for the games,” Anh stressed.

The mayor highlighted that SEA Games 31 is an opportunity for tourism in Vietnam, including Hanoi, to achieve groundbreaking growth.

He requested all localities to be ready to welcome sports delegations, and complete the decoration and visual promotion, in which attention needs to be paid to promoting the image of Hanoi and Vietnam, cultural and tourism destinations, and friendly cooperative relations between Vietnam, Hanoi, and ASEAN countries.

The followings are some photos taken during the mayor's inspection:

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Chu Ngoc Anh, second from the left, inspects the infrastructure at My Dinh National Stadium in the city. Photos: Quang Tan

Hanoi-based My Dinh National Stadium urgently prepares for SEA Games 31.

Chairman Chu Ngoc Anh encourages coaches and athletes of the Fencing Team at the Hanoi Sports and Gymnastics Training and Competition Center.

Competition venues are ready for SEA Games 31.