Hanoi, 29 November 2025 – At the kick-off ceremony for SEA Games 33, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on Vietnam’s 1,165-strong delegation to aim for the highest possible ranking, surpass medal targets and spread the nation’s cultural values across Southeast Asia.
Vietnam has officially announced its ambitions for SEA Games 33, setting a clear target: finishing among the top delegations and showcasing the nation’s sporting spirit on the regional stage. At the send-off ceremony held on 28 November, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivered an inspiring message to all officials, coaches and athletes heading to Thailand, urging them to “achieve the highest results possible, exceed expectations, and bring Vietnamese culture to the world”.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the recent resilience shown by people in central Vietnam during the post-flood recovery reflects the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese nation. “This fighting spirit flows in the blood of every Vietnamese person. It is also a source of strength for our sports delegation,” he said. He praised the athletes for their solidarity and charitable efforts toward flood-hit communities, adding that the SEA Games is both the biggest sporting event in the region and a festival of national unity.
Vietnam topped the overall medal tally at the last two SEA Games (31 and 32). This year, the delegation brings 1,165 members to Thailand, including 841 athletes competing across 47 sports out of the 66 contested at the Games. The medal target ranges from 91 to 110 golds, with athletics (12 golds) and shooting (7 golds) expected to play central roles.
Prime Minister Chinh affirmed that every medal won at SEA Games 33 “is not only a personal achievement, but also a source of pride for the entire nation”. He added that sporting success will help fuel national confidence and contribute to the collective drive toward a stronger, more prosperous Vietnam.
Most of the teams will travel to Thailand on 7 December, two days before the official opening ceremony, while a number of squads have already departed early to stabilise training and competition routines. Vietnam’s Chief of Mission, Nguyen Hong Minh, confirmed that all logistical and professional preparations have been completed. Sports leaders pledged that the delegation is determined to transform the trust and expectations of millions of fans into tangible achievements. “Through years of silent hard work, our athletes and coaches will strive to bring home worthy victories for the nation,” Minh stated.
The men’s football tournament will be the first event to kick off Vietnam’s SEA Games campaign, with U22 Vietnam facing U22 Laos in their opening Group B match at Rajamangala Stadium at 16:00 on 3 December. Alongside key Olympic disciplines such as athletics, swimming, shooting, gymnastics, weightlifting and archery, football remains a major point of national attention. The women’s national team aims for an unprecedented fifth consecutive SEA Games gold, while U22 Vietnam is determined to reclaim the regional crown after three years.
During the send-off ceremony, Vietnamese athletes showcased their new official uniforms from Jogarbola’s “Rise Beyond” collection. On 29 November, Dong Luc Sports Group officially launched the collection, designed to carry the message of ambition, resilience and national pride.
Marketing Director Le Vu Hong Ngoc stated that the mission goes beyond producing high-quality performance attire. “Rise Beyond represents the determination and strength of Vietnamese athletes as they strive to conquer new heights,” she said. Inspired by a mystical night sky filled with fireworks and shining stars, the design symbolises the journey of every athlete—silent, patient, and explosive at the perfect moment. Jogarbola, a long-time partner of Vietnamese sports teams, aims to continue supporting athletes through both everyday training and their most glorious milestones at SEA Games 33.
Hong Lan
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