SEA Games

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyễn Văn Hùng (centre) presents Certificates of Merits to the outstanding athletes of the 32nd SEA Games. — VNA/VNS Photos

HÀ NỘI — The success of the Việt Nam sport delegation at the 32nd SEA Games, held in Cambodia in May, was honoured at a ceremony by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on July 6 in Hà Nội.

The Cambodian regional sport meet saw Việt Nam's best ever achievement when competing away from home.

At the May 5-17 event, 1,003 Vietnamese athletes took part in 30 among 36 sports. They competed in 444 events and won 136 golds, 105 silvers and 118 bronzes. The team set 16 records and placed at the top position in the medal tally.

Notably, the women's football team won the title for the fourth time in a row. The golf and basketball squads secured their first ever gold medals in history.

Many athletes made outstanding performances, impressing all supporters at the Games.

Runner Nguyễn Thị Oanh pocketed four golds; swimmer Phạm Thanh Bảo took two golds and made two records; swimmers Trần Hưng Nguyên and Nguyễn Huy Hoàng topped the podium three times; weightlifter Nguyễn Quốc Toàn earned one gold and made three records; and teenage golfer Lê Khánh Hưng claimed one gold and one silver.

At the review, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyễn Văn Hùng praised the delegation's success.

“Athletes brought to play their strong mind, confidence, determination, technique and desire for the pride of the nation," said Hùng.

"At the SEA Games, each of our players was not only an athlete but also a culture ambassador. Our competitors created impressive remarks and received strong support from international friends, spreading love and beautiful feelings around the community."

He asked all concerned parties to promote these good results and prepare carefully for the 33rd SEA Games to achieve better achievements.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyễn Văn Hùng speaks at a review meeting of the Việt Nam sport delegation at the 32nd SEA Games.

The athletes' efforts and achievements were recognised right after their return home. President Võ Văn Thưởng met with them and delivered bonuses and certificates of merit.

The SEA Games victory was mentioned as one of the impressive marks of the country in the government's report of activities in the first six months of 2023.

Recognising their great success, Hùng, on behalf of the government, presented one Second-class Labour Order to the Việt Nam delegation, 37 Third-class Labour Orders and 196 Prime Minister's Certificate of Merits to teams and individuals.

Đặng Hà Việt, director of the sports authority of VIệt Nam, confirmed that it was a success but just on the regional level. There was still a big gap to reach the Asian and Olympic competitions.

He said Việt Nam sport needed more investment and support in terms of facilities, equipment and policy for better training and competing. This would help athletes earn higher results internationally.

The Vietnamese sport team will take part in another key tournament, the Asian Games, in September in China.

Hùng wrapped up the ceremony, saying: "We will participate in the 19th Asian Games with a proactive spirit and high determination. It is an opportunity for us to integrate with international friends, and Vietnamese sportspeople must show the patriotic spirit, and the strong will and effort to complete their mission, meeting the expectations of the Government and people.

The ceremony was co-organised and sponsored by Herbalife Việt Nam, which is a big sponsor of various Vietnamese sport delegations.

“As a companion of Việt Nam sport for a long time, we are happy to see the proud achievement of the athletes in the 32nd SEA Games. Congratulations!” said Vũ Văn Thắng, CEO of Herbalife Việt Nam and Cambodia.

“We hope that our sponsorship of nutritional food and supplements along with expert advice on nutrition and fitness will help Vietnamese athletes prepare the best for the upcoming events,” he said. — VNS