8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports

Delegates take a souvenir photo at the AMMS 8 Conference on October 16.

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh emphasized that this is an important event to promote cooperation, policy exchange and action in the field of sports among ASEAN members.

Throughout the formation and development of the ASEAN Community, sports have become a bridge of friendship, solidarity and development among countries in the region. From the SEA Games, ASEAN Para Games to sports exchange programs, all have contributed to nurturing the spirit of “One Vision - One Identity - One Community”.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh speaks at AMMS 8 Conference.

On behalf of the host country of AMMS 8, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung highlighted the significance of sports not only as a physical activity but also as a common language of faith, determination and aspiration, contributing to strengthening solidarity and promoting understanding among ASEAN peoples.

Vietnam's hosting of AMMS-8 is an honor and responsibility, as well as an opportunity to make more practical contributions to shaping regional sports development policies and strategies.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung delivered the opening speech at the Conference.

In his speech at the meeting, Mr. Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu - Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Malaysia presented the initiative to build an ASEAN Centre of Excellence for Sports Coaching. This is considered a strategic initiative to improve the capacity of coaches, standardize professional qualifications and enhance the sharing of sports knowledge among member countries.

Malaysia aims to turn this center into a “hub of excellence” - a leading sports training convergence point in the region, contributing to the building of a modern, sustainable training ecosystem with ASEAN identity. In addition, Malaysia also emphasizes promoting the development of the regional sports industry, linking sports with the economy - tourism, expanding international cooperation, especially with FIFA and WADA.

Mr. Nagulendran affirmed that during the Chairmanship term in 2025, Malaysia will continue to promote the spirit of “Sports for solidarity and sustainable development”, towards the common vision of a dynamic, creative and sustainable ASEAN.

The 8th AMMS highly agreed with Vietnam's proposals, and assessed that new initiatives would contribute to completing the comprehensive ASEAN sports cooperation framework, creating a foundation for the 2026-2030 development period. The heads of delegations unanimously affirmed that sports will continue to be a source of inspiration for the younger generation, a tool to promote peace, cooperation and sustainable development in the ASEAN Community. Vietnam was recognized for its effective coordination, leadership role and deep integration in the regional sports sector.

At the end of the Conference, the Ministers affirmed their commitment to long-term cooperation and continued promotion of sports as a means of building peace, solidarity and sustainable development in the region. In the spirit of unity and sincere cooperation, the 8th AMMS Conference ended successfully, opening a new phase for ASEAN sports - where countries work together towards the goal of "A healthy, dynamic and sustainable ASEAN".

The AMMS 8 Joint Statement acknowledged the outstanding achievements of ASEAN sports cooperation in recent times, and at the same time determined the strategic orientation for the new phase - placing sports at the center of the process of building the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).

On October 17, within the framework of the 8th ASEAN Sports Ministers Meeting, bilateral working sessions between ASEAN, Japan and China will continue to take place, expanding international cooperation in the field of sports, affirming ASEAN's increasingly profound role in the global sports cooperation network.

MINH GIANG

Source: https://nhandan.vn/hoi-nghi-bo-truong-asean-ve-the-thao-lan-thu-8-post915869.html