High determination

A send-off ceremony was held at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi in the morning, attended by senior sports officials including Nguyen Danh Hoang Viet, Director of the Vietnam Sports Administration.

Vietnam is sending 1,165 members to the Games, including 842 athletes, 189 coaches and 19 experts. The team will compete in 47 of 66 sports, across 443 of 573 medal events.

A total of 113 team members travelled from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang on December 7, bringing the number of Vietnamese squads already present in Thailand to 16. The morning flight carried 81 delegates led by chief of mission Nguyen Hong Minh, including officials and athletes in cycling, canoeing, swimming, jet ski, sepak takraw and artistic gymnastics.

Ahead of departure, Minh said the athletes carry both responsibility and national pride.

“The team will bring the will in their minds, the fire in their hearts and strength from within to overcome limitations and embody the Vietnamese spirit, bringing glory to the nation,” he stressed.

Strategic step towards ASIAD 2026 and Olympic 2028

Officials said SEA Games 33 is not only a regional competition but a key stage in long-term preparations for the 2026 Asian Games (ASIAD) and 2028 Olympic Games. Vietnam aims to strengthen depth in Olympic disciplines, restructure teams and focus on athlete development with longer-term objectives.

Following SEA Games 32, the Vietnam Sports Administration reviewed its national programmes, selecting high-potential athletes for targeted investment. Training has been conducted under scientific cycles, with intensified physical, technical and tactical development at national sports centres. Several teams were sent overseas for international training and competition, along with enhanced application of sports science in biomechanics, nutrition, recovery and injury prevention.

Medical support and anti-doping compliance

Vietnam has also bolstered logistics, equipment, uniforms and travel arrangements in line with requirements set by the organizers.

Dr. Nguyen Van Trien from the Vietnam Sports Hospital, who has accompanied Vietnam at seven SEA Games, said medical staff and technicians would support optimal athlete performance throughout the high-intensity competition period.

The delegation has been instructed to strictly comply with doping regulations, including internal training and testing in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, to protect the integrity of Vietnamese sports.

Vietnam trounce Malaysia 7-0 in SEA Games opener

VOV.VN - Midfielder Thai Thi Thao scored a hat-trick to guide Vietnam to a commanding 7–0 win over Malaysia in their opening women’s football match at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand on December 5.