Viet Nam to send 971 athletes to 33rd SEA Games

Viet Nam is set to send a 971-member delegation to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 33), which will take place in Thailand from December 9 to 31.

Key sports such as athletics are receiving comprehensive investment as Viet Nam targets strong performances at upcoming regional events. (Photo: Duong Thuat)

Key sports such as athletics are receiving comprehensive investment as Viet Nam targets strong performances at upcoming regional events. (Photo: Duong Thuat)

In addition, 116 Vietnamese athletes and officials are set to participate in the 2025 Asian Youth Games, which will be held from October 19 to 31 in China.

Recently, Nguyen Danh Hoang Viet, Director of the Department of Physical Education and Sports, chaired a working session with the Elite Sports Division and the Mass Sports Division to review preparations for the two major sporting events.

According to Hoang Quoc Vinh, Head of the Elite Sports Division, preparations for both games are proceeding according to schedule. For the 2025 Asian Youth Games, Viet Nam plans to compete in 12 out of 24 sports and disciplines with a 116-member delegation.

Regarding SEA Games 33, the Vietnamese delegation will consist of 971 members, including 158 participants sponsord through social contributions. Athletes will compete in 30 sports and disciplines, many of which are considered Vietnamese strongholds with high medal prospects.

At the meeting, Nguyen Ngoc Anh, Head of the Mass Sports Division, reported on the preparation of two sports under his department’s supervision—eSports and sport climbing—for SEA Games 33.

Training camps are being organised at key locations, alongside international cooperation efforts with countries such as the Republic of Korea, Japan, China, and Hungary. These partnerships are aim to help athletes enhance physical strength, refine skills and tactics, and accumulate valuable competition experience.

According to Hoang Quoc Vinh, all national teams are finalising their training and competition schedules with a sense of urgency, aiming to field their strongest squads. Thorough preparation and strong determination are seen as essential foundations for Viet Nam to reinforce its standing in the region and reach new heights in continental competition.

NDO