Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 18 inspected the preparations for the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), which will take place in Vietnam from May 12 to 23, 2022.

Chinh worked with authorities to make sure all premises for SEA Games 31 are ready and in the best status to host the competitions of the regional sports event that will gather approximately 10,000 athletes and coaches from 11 countries in Southeast Asia.

He asked the organizers to facilitate the entry of visitors, ensure their safety and that of athletes against Covid-19, as well as use advanced technologies in running the competitions to make the biggest regional sports event a well-organized and impressive one.

Chinh also gave words of encouragement to athletes, highlighting the spirit of solidarity, honesty, and sportsmanship.

Vietnam’s delegation with 1,359 members, including 965 athletes, will compete in all 40 sports at SEA Games 31, targeting the first place in the medal count with 140 gold medals, 77 silver medals, and 71 bronze ones as well as successfully defending both men’s and women’s football titles.  

On this occasion, he asked authorized agencies to make policies on developing Vietnam’s sports with a focus on training conditions, remunerations, welfare, and life after professional sport for athletes.

The Prime Minister also visited the National Sports Training Center, Hanoi, the training premise for Vietnam’s national teams. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung, and Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh.

The SEA Games 31 will be held in Hanoi and 11 nearby cities and provinces namely Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, Nam Dinh, Ha Nam, Hoa Binh, Haiphong, Phu Tho, Hai Duong, Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, and Vinh Phuc. Hanoi will hold the opening and closing ceremonies and host competitions in 18 sports namely Athletics, Aquatics Swimming, Aquatics Diving, Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Aerobics Gymnastics, Men's Football, Shooting, Archery, Weightlifting, Judo, Taekwondo, Wushu, Wrestling, Fencing, Badminton, Tennis, Basketball, Table Tennis, Billiard Sports, Golf, Kurash, Vovinam, Bodybuilding, and Dancesport.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh gives words of encouragement to athletes in Hanoi. Photos: Nhat Bac/VGP

Prime Minister Chinh meets runners at Hanoi Indoor Games Gymnasium.

Prime Minister Chinh meets athletes at the National Sports Training Center, Hanoi.

Prime Minister Chinh and high-ranking officials visit the shooting venue.

The delegation visits the artificial arts venue.

PM Chinh inspects the status of My Dinh National Stadium.

The Prime Minister even cares for details, asking authorities to ensure the safety of athletes.