Opening Ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games: The Roots and Solidarity of Southeast Asia

On the evening of December 9th, the opening ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games featured a spectacular performance that transported the audience back in time to the origins of the SEA Games – its predecessor, the 1959 SEAP Games, first held in Thailand. This also affirmed the central theme of the Games: "One - We are One." According to the Organizing Committee, "One" symbolizes both the aspiration to reach the number one position and the starting point, reminding us of the original values of the Southeast Asian sports movement.

Message about sustainable development

The opening ceremony consisted of five large-scale performances, combining traditional art and culture with modern performance technology, recreating the journey of the SEA Games from 1959 to the present. High-resolution LED systems, lasers, 360-degree 3D mapping, and multimedia projection transformed the Rajamangala Stadium into a vibrant, multi-layered performance space.

The artistic highlight is the blend of Thai identity through the images of Ram Thon dance, Hanuman, white elephants, Ayutthaya architecture, combined with modern choreography to honor the competitive spirit of Southeast Asian athletes.

Khai mạc SEA Games 33: Cội nguồn và tình đoàn kết Đông Nam Á - Ảnh 1. — Opening ceremony of SEA Games 33 on the evening of December 9. Photo: NGOC LINH

The program featured many famous artists from the host country such as BamBam Kunpimook Bhuwakul, Nattawut Srimok (Golf F.Hero), V Violet Wautier, Twopee Pitawat Phrueksakit, and legendary boxer Buakaw Banchamek, creating a special attraction for the ceremony. Free tickets, released early, sold out completely, and the organizers even had to add 10,000 seats to meet audience demand.

A unique feature of the parade of 11 sports delegations was the leading group consisting of 11 national and international beauty queens, including Miss World 2025 Opal Suchata Chuangsri. The 33rd SEA Games also attracted attention by pursuing the theme "Green SEA Games - Net Zero." The Games reduced waste, prioritized recycled materials, minimized the impact of light and sound, and replaced fireworks with special effects simulations. The torch lighting ceremony used holograms, light, and renewable energy, causing no environmental pollution and conveying a message of sustainable development.

Vietnam strives to be in the top 3.

During the parade, Brunei was the first delegation to enter the arena. The Vietnamese sports delegation entrusted the flag-carrying duties to athletes Le Thanh Thuy (women's volleyball) and Le Minh Thuan (karate), who paraded right before the host country Thailand's sports delegation, which was the last to enter the arena. Thailand is the top contender for the overall medal at the 33rd SEA Games. Thailand participated with 1,531 athletes, competing in 50 official sports and 3 demonstration sports.

Two-time Olympic taekwondo gold medalist Panipak Wongpattanakit was chosen to light the torch. Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida presided over the opening ceremony.

Khai mạc SEA Games 33: Cội nguồn và tình đoàn kết Đông Nam Á - Ảnh 2. — Vietnam sports delegation at the opening ceremony of SEA Games 33. Photo: NGOC LINH

The 33rd SEA Games took place from December 9th to 20th. Vietnam participated with 1,165 members, including 842 athletes, competing in 443 out of 573 events across 47 sports. The delegation's goal was to win 91-110 gold medals, striving to be in the top 3 overall, while host nation Thailand aimed for a record 241 gold medals, promising a fierce gold medal race on the overall medal table.

The opening ceremony evoked the journey back to the roots of the SEA Games, igniting a passion for competition, affirming ASEAN's cultural diversity, honoring the spirit of sportsmanship, and conveying a greeting of friendship: "We are one." A united Southeast Asia – that was the overarching message that host nation Thailand conveyed through music , art, and spectacular performances, immersing fans in the region's spirit of fair play, nobility, and determination to win.

Head of the Vietnamese delegation, NGUYEN HONG MINH:

"The Vietnamese sports delegation is currently undergoing a rejuvenation process, with many teams transitioning to new generations. Therefore, competing and gaining experience against strong regional rivals will be a driving force for Vietnamese athletes to strive, improve their professional skills, gradually narrow the gap, and aim for higher achievements at the ASIAD and Olympics, and in the immediate future, fulfill the performance targets registered for the SEA Games 33."

Track and field athlete NGUYEN THI THANH PHUC:

"The athletics team in particular and the entire Vietnamese sports delegation have been training hard over the past time. Now is the time to show their ability and desire to win on the track, arena, and field of the SEA Games. We hope and expect the athletics team to compete successfully. We wish the Vietnamese sports delegation to complete their achievement targets."

Swimmer MAI TRẦN TUẤN ANH: