Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong extended his warm welcome to the participating delegations.

Ceremonial flag-raising guards prepare to hoist flags at the ceremony.

Members of the marching band participate in the flag-raising ceremony.

Each of the 11 participating countries sent 31 members to the ceremony which also saw the participation of representatives from foreign embassies.

The flag-hoisting ceremony aims to fuel encouragement to athletes, while promoting the culture and people of Vietnam.

The flags of the sports delegations to the SEA Games 31 were hoisted at the ceremony.

The national flag of Vietnam was hoisted at the ceremony.

A representative of the SEA Games 31’s Organising Committee presents gifts to 11 participating sports delegations.

The Vietnamese sports delegation to the SEA Games 31 took a group photo at the ceremony.