SEA Games closing ceremony: Vietnam wins over 200 medals, ranks in the Top 3

On the penultimate day of competition at the 33rd SEA Games (December 19th), the Vietnamese sports delegation had a spectacular performance, winning 13 gold medals, bringing their total to 86 gold, 79 silver, and 110 bronze medals. With this result, Vietnam narrowed the gap with Indonesia to just 5 gold medals (91 gold, 111 silver, and 129 bronze). Thailand reaffirmed its number one position by breaking the record for the total number of gold medals at a single SEA Games with 232 gold, 154 silver, and 106 bronze medals.

On the final day of competition, the Vietnamese delegation only competed in two sepak takraw events in the men's and women's regu categories. Therefore, even if they had won both gold medals in this sport, they would not have been able to catch up with Indonesia, thus finishing third overall.

u22 viet nam 28.JPG — Vietnam U22 team achieved their goal of winning the gold medal. Photo: SN

At the 33rd SEA Games, despite ranking only 6th in the number of participating athletes, even just over half the number of host country Thailand, the Vietnamese delegation had 841 athletes, including those funded through social contributions. Specifically, including athletes who participated in the SEA Games with social funding, the Vietnamese delegation had 1,530 athletes, while host country Thailand had 1,020; Indonesia 1,020; the Philippines 1,157; Malaysia 1,192; and Singapore 976.

Despite being significantly limited in numbers and facing the absence of many strong disciplines and events from the competition program, the Vietnamese sports delegation still managed to finish in the top 3 at the Games. These statistics speak volumes about the effort, determination, and effectiveness of the Vietnamese athletes.

The head of the Vietnamese delegation at the 33rd SEA Games, Mr. Nguyen Hong Minh, said that before departing, the Vietnamese delegation set three major goals. Firstly, to maintain and elevate Vietnam's position among the top teams in the region; striving to win approximately 90 gold medals, continuing to maintain its position in the leading group in Southeast Asia, and resolutely defending the achievements of both the men's and women's football teams.

taekwondo viet nam 6.JPG — The Vietnamese sports delegation achieved success in many aspects. Photo: SN

Secondly, we aim for breakthroughs in key sports, especially Olympic sports. Thirdly, we want to build a civilized, professional, disciplined, and positive image of the Vietnamese Sports Delegation in the eyes of the international community.

The head of the Vietnamese sports delegation emphasized that Vietnam has achieved its breakthrough goals in key sports, especially Olympic sports. Of the total gold medals won so far, Olympic sports have contributed more than 50, accounting for approximately 70% of the delegation's total.

nguyen thi oanh 7.JPG — Nguyen Thi Oanh won 3 gold medals at the SEA Games. Photo: SN

Notably, at this Games, Vietnamese sports also saw the emergence of many exceptionally talented young athletes in Olympic sports such as athletics, swimming, shooting, and martial arts. Many athletes, only 16-17 years old, have already won medals, such as Nguyen Thuy Hien, Tran Van Nguyen Quoc, and Duong Van Hoang Quy (swimming)...

Regarding the regrets at the 33rd SEA Games, Head of Delegation Nguyen Hong Minh said that some teams still did not achieve their medal targets, including golf, jujitsu, judo, archery, and cycling. In some matches and events, with more luck and composure, the delegation could have completely won.

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