More than just a sporting mission, this is also a moment to continue the tradition of many generations of athletes bringing the Vietnamese spirit to the regional arena, carrying within them national pride and the will to overcome themselves, affirming the character and resilience of the Vietnamese people to international friends.
The Vietnamese spirit shines brightly in the journey of integration.
From Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, a total of 113 members departed on December 7th, bringing the total number of teams that have traveled to Thailand to 16. Team leader Nguyen Hong Minh, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports Department, once again emphasized the determination of the entire delegation of 1,165 members, including 842 athletes, 189 coaches, and 19 experts, participating in 47 out of 66 sports, corresponding to 443 competition events.
The team leader affirmed that each athlete would carry the will in their mind, the fire in their heart, and the inner strength to overcome their limitations, strive for the highest achievements, and bring glory to the Fatherland, as Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh advised at the send-off ceremony.
After more than two hours of flying, the delegation landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport, one of Thailand's largest international gateways. The SEA Games 33 Organizing Committee arranged a separate lane for immigration procedures and SEA Games card activation, helping the delegation quickly settle into their accommodations and get ready to begin the competition.
According to the plan, the flag-raising ceremony for the Vietnamese delegation will take place on the afternoon of December 8th at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium, uniting 11 Southeast Asian nations in a solemn ceremony to open the Games. In Chonburi, a second flag-raising ceremony will take place on December 11th at Wyndham Jomtien, creating a special series of events symbolizing unity and friendship.
The flag-raising ceremony is not only a ceremonial beginning but also a symbol of the aspiration for advancement in the regional sports movement. As the red flag with a yellow star is raised to the sound of the national anthem, each Vietnamese athlete feels empowered, reminded of their responsibility, honor, and sacred pride in competing under the national colors.
The blend of ASEAN flag colors not only reflects the identity of each nation but also serves as proof of solidarity, friendship, and the determination to build a prosperous and developed Southeast Asian community together.
The aspiration to conquer and the belief in the indomitable spirit of Vietnam.
The 33rd SEA Games will officially open on the evening of December 9th at Rajamangala Stadium, the same venue that witnessed the Vietnamese men's football team's ASEAN Cup victory on January 5th.
Returning to this place full of memories, young faces like Khuat Van Khang and Tran Trung Kien will surely bring with them many new emotions and aspirations. The U22 national team is one of the great hopes of the Vietnamese Sports Delegation at this Games.
Despite the loss of key players due to Van Truong's injury, coach Kim Sang-sik's team maintained a strong fighting spirit and secured a 2-1 victory against Laos in their opening match. The final group stage match against Malaysia on December 11th will undoubtedly be a tough challenge, but the entire team is striving to achieve their goal of advancing to the next round.
Along with the U22 team, Vietnamese teams in many other sports are also ready to compete, carrying the expectations of fans. Swimming will kick off on December 10th, with Huy Hoang and his teammates in the spotlight after a long period of serious preparation. Facing strong regional competitors, Vietnamese swimming is still expected to continue to assert its position through effort, willpower, and sound tactics.
Analysis of the balance of power shows that the race for medals will be extremely fierce, but the never-give-up spirit of the Vietnamese athletes is the foundation for them to aim for the highest goals, not only at the SEA Games but also further at the Asian Games and the Olympics.
Besides the key sports, the Rowing and Canoeing teams are also ready to compete with confidence. Canoeing was absent from the previous SEA Games, but this return brings high expectations as Vietnamese athletes have demonstrated excellent form at the regional and continental levels with 10 gold medals at the Southeast Asian Championships and 3 gold medals at the 2025 Asian Championships.
Canoeists like Nguyen Thi Huong and Diep Thi Huong are on the verge of bringing home the first gold medal for the Vietnamese Sports Delegation on December 11th. An early success in canoeing would be a crucial morale boost, paving the way for the entire delegation to embark on a long journey at the Games.
The 33rd SEA Games took place against the backdrop of Vietnam's rapidly developing sports sector, which received systematic investment and aimed for a longer-term vision. Each major tournament served as a stepping stone for athletes to challenge themselves, gain experience, and expand their opportunities for international integration.
More importantly, it is an opportunity for Vietnamese sports to showcase the image of a dynamic, resilient nation that knows how to overcome difficulties and constantly strives for its national pride.
As the flags are raised at Hua Mark or Wyndham Jomtien, and as each athlete takes a step toward the starting line, fans are once again inspired by their perseverance, courage, and desire to win.
Throughout this journey, each member of the Vietnamese Sports Delegation carried a powerful message about the resilient, compassionate, and united spirit of Vietnam, ready to overcome all challenges to reach the pinnacle. Therefore, the 33rd SEA Games was not only a sporting event but also a place to affirm the character, will, and aspirations of Vietnamese sports on its journey of deep integration with the region and the world.
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/y-chi-ben-bi-va-khat-vong-chien-thang-186618.html
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