Hanoi (VNA) – Only less than 50 days left, the 31st Southeast AsianGames (SEA Games 31) will officially take place. At present, Vietnam is urgentlymaking efforts to complete the final preparations for the safe and successfulorganisation of the region’s biggest sport event.

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, SEA Games 31 couldnot take place as planned in November 2021, and was postponed to May 2022. The organising committee encountered many difficulties in preparations, while athletes did nothave opportunities to compete regularly and have training abroad.

The goal of successfully holding the Games is an importanttask. Thanks to the close direction of the Government, the companionship andcoordination between the concerned ministries and sectors, the preparations are on the right track, with the progress ensured. At a recent field trip bySoutheast Asian sport delegations, the delegation heads appreciated the hostcountry’s preparations.

“Since Vietnam announced SEA Games 31’s official date inlate 2021, the country has exerted tremendous efforts, and preparations are infull swing to meet the deadlines,” said Director (Projects) of the SingaporeNational Olympic Council Anthony Lee.

He believed that the regional sporting event this year willbe smooth-sailing and organised efficiently.

The renovation of My Dinh National Stadium, which is to hostfootball and track and field, has been fundamentally completed while the WaterSports Stadium is also being renovated to meet international standards, readyto host the Games.

For his part, Vice President of the Olympic Council ofMalaysia Paduka Nur Azmi Ahmad spoke highly of progress made in thepreparations at the My Dinh Stadium and the National Sports Training Centre,despite various challenges facing Vietnam, especially the COVID-19 pandemic.

Underlining the significance of the facilities serving theGames, he added that Vietnamese agencies need to speed up the remaining tasksand make sure that deadlines will be met.

Deputy Secretary General for Administration of thePhilippine Olympic Committee Carl Sambrano highly valued Quang Ninh province’spreparations, particularly at the 5,000-seat gymnasium which will host indoorvolleyball matches.

He added that the expressway linking Hanoi and Quang Ninhfacilitates the travel of participating teams between the two localities.

Chong Fui Kim from the Singapore National Olympic Councilsaid although the COVID-19 pandemic delivered a heavy blow to Vietnam’spreparations for SEA Games 31, most of the competition venues in Quang Ninhstand ready to host the regional event.

He spoke highly of efforts and determination of theorganising committee and Vietnamese people in preparing for the Games despite thecomplex developments of COVID-19, believing that the event will be successful.

The Games, themed “For a stronger South East Asia”, will runin Hanoi and 11 neighbouring provinces and cities from May 12 to 23. It will feature 40sports with 526 events and expect to attract around 10,000 participants.

For the successful organisation of the event, theselocalities are continuing to upgrade the remaining infrastructure andfacilities to meet requirements.

The event is expected to create a fair playing ground towardsa stronger Southeast Asia, and offer a good chance for Vietnam to promote thebeauty of its nation, people and culture./.