Hanoi, 12 June, 2025 – Vietnam is aiming for a top finish at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 33), which will take place in Thailand from December 9 to 20, 2025. To prepare effectively, the Vietnam Sports Delegation has outlined a strategic plan, grouping the sports into three categories and setting an ambitious target of winning 80 to 100 gold medals.
The Vietnamese contingent is expected to comprise over 1,000 members, including athletes, coaches, doctors, medical staff, and team officials. Vietnam will compete in 45 out of the 66 sports and disciplines scheduled at the Games. Of these, 40 sports will be state-funded, while five will rely on socialized funding: Billiards, Figure Skating, Esports, Baseball & Softball, and MMA.
To maximize medal potential, the General Department of Sports and Physical Training has divided the sports into three strategic groups:
Group 1: Core Medal Sports – These include Vietnam’s traditional strengths and main gold medal targets such as Athletics, Swimming, Shooting, Wrestling, Taekwondo, Karate, Weightlifting, Fencing, Canoeing and Traditional Boat Racing, Artistic Gymnastics, Boxing, Judo, Jujitsu, Petanque, Wushu, Muay, Rowing, Cycling, Chess, Archery, Pencak Silat, Table Tennis, Aerobic Gymnastics, Modern Pentathlon, Football, Indoor Volleyball, Golf, Handball, 3×3 Basketball, and Sepak Takraw.
Group 2: Potential Medal Sports – These are sports where Vietnam has a chance to medal, including Tennis, 5×5 Basketball, Diving, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Badminton, Beach Volleyball, Sailing, Bowling, and Roller Sports.
Group 3: Socialized Sports – These are sports funded outside of the state budget: Billiards, Figure Skating, Esports, Baseball & Softball, and MMA.
Vietnam aims to dominate in Athletics, Karate, and Wrestling, while also seeking improvements in Boxing, Cycling, Swimming, Shooting, and Fencing. The focus is not only on quantity but also on raising the quality and competitiveness of athletes in key Olympic-standard events.
SEA Games 33 will feature a total of 585 medal events across 66 sports, attracting participation from 11 Southeast Asian nations. With careful planning and a clear focus on strengths, Vietnam hopes to reinforce its position as a regional sports powerhouse and continue building momentum toward continental and global competitions.
Dang Long
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