The opening ceremony includes three parts: “Friendly Vietnam” featuring a countdown event with mapping and virtual graphic shows; “Strong Southeast Asia” showcasing the strengths of regional countries and a parade of 11 contingents of the SEA Games 31; “Shining Southeast Asia” covering arts performances and torch relay.
Participants in the ceremony were Vietnam’s President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, Hanoi Mayor Chu Ngoc Anh, and honorable guests namely Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Cambodia, Minister of Culture and Sports Lao and Myanmar’s Minister of Sports and Youth.
The event themed “For A Stronger Southeast Asia” was contributed by over 1,000 participants on a stage of 7,000 square meters at My Dinh National Stadium.
The Hanoi Timeshelps you explore the ceremony full of typical culture and arts.
The ceremony opens with a countdown scene featuring “Friendly Vietnam”.
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc declares the opening of the 31st SEA Games.
Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh delivers a speech at the opening ceremony.
The Vietnamese contingent on the stage of My Dinh National Stadium for the parade.
The flag-raising ceremony takes place in solemn atmosphere.
Eight prominent athletes join the torch relay, including athlete Quach Thi Lan, who won the 2018 ASIAD gold medal, who lights up the cauldron.
The performance features bamboo, Vietnam’s typical tree having an important role in history and life.
The performance, which features lotus, bamboo, and wet rice, is supported by the light and sound mapping technology, introducing culture, tradition, and people of Vietnam while conveying the spirit of the Games “For a Stronger Southeast Asia”.
Vietnamese girls in Ao dai or Vietnamese traditional dress and conical hats gracefully arrange a map of Vietnam on the stage.
The dance performance entitled “The Soul of the Lotus” was led by famous dancer Linh Nga.
The performance takes place in the background of 3D images reminiscent of a lively lotus pond, a beautiful yet familiar image in Vietnam. For long time, the lotus has always been considered the national flower of the country.
Vietnamese singers Tung Duong, Hong Nhung, and members of O-Plus Band perform the official song of SEA Games 31 “Let’s Shine” under a spectacular fireworks display.
Over 3,000 runners, including 40 international participants, illuminated the streets of Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, as they took part in the province's first-ever night-time running event last Saturday.
To commemorate the centenary of poet Nguyen Dinh Thi's birth, a special stamp collection has been unveiled, showcasing his iconic portrait alongside celebrated works.
The people of Saudi Arabia were treated to a delightful showcase of Vietnamese culture, art, and cuisine during the Vietnam Day celebrations, which ran from Friday to Sunday. It was a wonderful opportunity for Saudis to immerse themselves in the vibrant and unique traditions of Vietnam.
MILAN — The Italian league title took a backseat on Sunday after a player collapsed mid-game, overshadowing the Serie A match and serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of life.
