Bangkok, 8 December 2025 – At 15:25 on 8 December, the Vietnamese flag was hoisted high at Hua Mak Sports Complex during the SEA Games 33 flag-raising ceremony, marking the official start of Vietnam’s campaign with emotions, pride, and renewed determination.
At exactly 15:25, as the national anthem echoed with pride, the red flag with a yellow star rose steadily and fluttered above Hua Mak Sports Complex, marking the moment the Vietnam Sports Delegation officially embarked on its SEA Games 33 journey.
On the afternoon of 8 December, the area in front of Hua Mak Stadium became livelier as the SEA Games 33 Organizing Committee held the flag-raising ceremony for the delegations of all 11 Southeast Asian nations. Though brief, the ceremony carried profound symbolic meaning, signifying the formal presence of each delegation at the region’s biggest sporting event.
Leading the Vietnamese delegation at the ceremony was Nguyen Hong Minh, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports Authority and Chief of Mission of the Vietnam Sports Delegation at SEA Games 33. He was accompanied by 23 members, including a group of young swimmers—promising faces preparing for their upcoming competitions.
The ceremony began with a solemn introduction of each delegation as they marched into the ceremonial area. Before proceedings officially commenced, organizers invited all participants to observe a minute of silence in memory of the late Queen Mother of Thailand—a touching and respectful moment shared across delegations.
At 14:40, the flag-raising began, starting with Brunei as the first delegation in alphabetical order. Each nation carried out the ceremony in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Vietnam’s turn came tenth, just before the host nation, Thailand.
The most emotional moment arrived at 15:25. As the melody of “Tien Quan Ca” resounded through the expansive Hua Mak complex, the Vietnamese flag slowly ascended into the sky. Members of the delegation joined in singing: “Đoàn quân Việt Nam đi…”, their voices echoing with pride and national spirit. It was a moment that stirred deep emotion and reaffirmed the significance of representing the homeland on an international stage.
For the young athletes, the ceremony was not merely a formality but a powerful reminder of their responsibility while wearing the national colors. Swimmer Trinh Truong Vinh shared: “Competing at SEA Games for the first time is a tremendous honor. Standing under the Vietnamese flag during the ceremony was incredibly special and emotional. I’m grateful that my efforts have brought me this opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Mai Tran Tuan Anh—who has competed at three SEA Games but experienced the flag-raising ceremony for the first time—expressed similar sentiments: “I was excited and felt energized for the journey ahead. The ceremony created a unique spirit and a memorable milestone in my career.”
Throughout the event, organizers also prepared commemorative gifts for participating delegations—an expression of hospitality and goodwill from the host nation.
Vietnam enters SEA Games 33 with 842 athletes competing in 47 sports across 443 events. The delegation aims to secure 91–110 gold medals and finish in the top three overall, carrying with them the pride and hopes of the nation.
Thanh Trang
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