The 33rd SEA Games officially opened.

VHO - On the evening of December 9th, at Rajamangala Stadium (Bangkok, Thailand), the opening ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games took place, marking the beginning of exciting days of competition at the region's largest sporting event.

As expected, the opening ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games was spectacular, showcasing cutting-edge technology with 3D lighting on a modern stage backdrop, recreating distinctive traditional cultural elements that symbolize Thai history.

The "super performance" featured over 5,000 actors, volunteers, and artists on the central stage of the Rajamangala Stadium.

The artistic program for the opening ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games consists of five chapters. The first chapter takes the audience "back in time" to the origins of the SEA Games, when Thailand hosted the first edition in 1959, also in Bangkok.

The host country recreated the SEA Games that had taken place throughout history. The first Southeast Asian Games were held in 1959 in Thailand. The "Land of Smiles" has hosted seven SEA Games, the most recent being in 2007, 18 years ago.

Chapter two showcased strength and fighting spirit through various performance technologies, music , sports, and lighting. With a performance titled "Ignity the Game," singer Violette Wautier (Belgian of Thai descent) and rapper TwoPee electrified the stage with their vibrant melodies.

Chapter 3, the opening ceremony, was titled "The Connection of the Sea." The Rajamangala Stadium pitch was transformed into a giant ocean surface using 3D lighting technology. The open sea also represents the waterway connecting 11 Southeast Asian countries.

Chapter 4 brings together many world- famous Thais, from athletes and beauty queens to artists, stars, singers, songwriters, and musicians.

Titled "One Spirit," this was the highlight of the opening ceremony, featuring a spectacular performance of sports and music on a grand stage. The demonstration of 11 martial arts disciplines, including Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Karate, Kabaddi, Judo, Kickboxing, wrestling, Pencak Silat, boxing, Wushu, and Jujitsu, was truly impressive.

Next up was a performance titled "Thai Warrior." Legendary Thai martial artist Buakaw Banchamek took to the stage to demonstrate Muay Thai, Thailand's national martial art. This performance highlighted the masterful skill, self-respect, and genuine heart of a true warrior.

Chapter 5 is themed "Blooming of one victory." The stage is being "set ablaze" by Bambam, the Thai member of the popular Korean boy band GOT7.

Host nation Thailand hopes the SEA Games will serve as a bridge to foster a spirit of mutual support and solidarity within the Southeast Asian family.

Following the artistic performance was the parade of the delegations participating in the 33rd SEA Games, with the Vietnamese and Thai delegations starting last.

The two athletes entrusted with carrying the flag for the Vietnamese Sports Delegation are Le Thanh Thuy (volleyball) and Le Minh Thuan (Karate).

Next, the Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, delivered the opening speech for the 33rd SEA Games. This was followed by a speech from the King of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, speaking about the noble spirit of sports.

The flag-raising ceremony and the playing of the Thai national anthem were solemnly held at the Rajamangala Stadium. This sacred ritual marked the beginning of the 33rd SEA Games.

Immediately afterwards, the flag-raising ceremony for the participating countries and the SEA Games flag took place. This was followed by the oath-taking ceremony for the athletes and referees.

The torch relay and lighting ceremony at the 33rd SEA Games received considerable attention. The SEA Games torch reportedly departed from Bangkok, traveling through Chonburi, Songkhla, and Nakhon Ratchasima, with several athletes taking turns carrying it.

Former Taekwondo fighter Panipak Wongpattanakit, 28, a two-time Olympic champion (2021 and 2024), was the final torchbearer and lit the flame on the Rajamangala Stadium, signaling the official start of the 33rd SEA Games.

The 33rd SEA Games will take place from December 9th to 20th at three main venues: Chonburi, Bangkok, and Songkhla. This year's Games are expected to have approximately 9,366 athletes competing in 50 sports.

The 33rd SEA Games will have a total of 574 sets of medals awarded, 10 fewer than the most recent SEA Games.

At this year's Games in Thailand, the Vietnamese Sports Delegation is participating with 1,165 members, including 841 athletes, competing in 47 out of 50 sports. The target for the Vietnamese Sports Delegation at the 33rd SEA Games is to win between 90 and 110 gold medals, ranking among the top 3 leading sports delegations.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/sea-games-33-chinh-thuc-khai-mac-187014.html