Weightlifter Thạch Kim Tuấn is expected to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in the men’s 61kg category.Photo 24h.com.vn

HÀ NỘI Việt Nam will focus on Olympic sports at the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games to be held in Hà Nội next year.

According to the National Sports Administration, the upcoming Games will feature the largest number of Olympic sports in the event's history.

“Following advice from Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam, we will feature all the Olympic sports at the SEA Games 31, along with several traditional sports,” said Trần Đức Phấn, deputy director of the National Sports Administration.

The host country often tops the medals table by including a number of sports they are strong in, but Việt Nam is aiming to create a fair event and leave a good image.

Shuttlecock, diving and vovinam (Vietnamese traditional martial arts) have been added to the list of events the country is strong in.

The region's biggest sporting event will feature 36 sports, two-thirds of which will feature at the Olympic Games and Asian Games.
Hà Nội and some neighbouring localities host the events.

Việt Nam enjoyed the best Games in its history last year, winning 98 gold, 85 silver and 105 bronze medals to rank second. VNS