Vietnam to send over 1,000-strong team to 33rd SEA Games in Thailand

The delegation will compete in 45 of the 66 sports and disciplines featured at the Games, which will take place in Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla from December 9 to 20.

Vietnam sent 1,003 members to the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. 

This year’s contingent will be divided into three groups based on medal prospects and funding sources.

Group 1 includes top medal-contending sports such as athletics, swimming, shooting, archery, wrestling, taekwondo, karate, weightlifting, fencing, canoeing, gymnastics, boxing, judo, football, table tennis, indoor volleyball, handball, pétanque, 3x3 basketball, golf, sepak takraw, cycling, chess, and archery.

Group 2 includes sports with medal potential, including tennis, diving, rhythmic gymnastics, badminton, 5x5 basketball, bowling, beach volleyball, sailing, and roller sports.

Group 3 comprises disciplines funded entirely through private sources, such as billiards, figure skating, esports, baseball/softball, and mixed martial arts (MMA), in line with the government’s policy to reduce pressure on the state budget.

Although the overall delegation size is large, many team sports are financed through private means.

Following the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism directed national teams to reassess their SEA Games preparations. 

Priority teams will receive increased investment in training, equipment, nutrition, and medical support through 2025.

Officials acknowledge that the 33rd SEA Games will pose significant challenges, with host Thailand fielding a strong team and regional rivals Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines showing growing competitiveness.

Vietnam will also face disadvantages due to the exclusion or reduction of several traditionally strong sports from the official program.

Minister Nguyen Van Hung has called for a long-term strategy focused on sports with promise at the continental and Olympic levels.

Vietnam’s goal for the upcoming SEA Games is to remain among the top-performing nations and secure 80-100 gold medals.

The delegation is aiming to lead in athletics, karate, and wrestling, while improving results in key disciplines such as boxing, cycling, swimming, shooting, and fencing.