This is the third SEA Games fencer Vu Thanh An is honoured to fly the flag for Vietnam (Photo: VNA) Itwill be An's fifth time taking the honourable duty for the nation. Hepreviously took the responsibility at the Rio Olympics in 2016, SEA Games2017 and 2019 and the Asian Games in 2018.
Anis considered a 'lucky' flag bearer as after his service, Vietnam won theirfirst ever Olympic and Asian Games golds.
Atthis year's Games, An is one of Vietnam's golden hopes in the men's sabrefencing event. The 29-year-old won the title at the last three Games.
Meanwhilemarksman Vinh is the most successful sportsperson in Vietnam's history. Hewon one gold and one silver at the Rio Games, Vietnam's best result at theworld's largest sport festival.
Vinh,now national head coach of the shooting team, will join nine notableathletes to take the honour of anchoring the torch relay, before he lights upthe Games flame at the My Dinh National Stadium.
The nine athletes are Tran Hieu Ngan (Olympictaekwondo silver medallist ), Hoang Anh Tuan (Olympic weightlifting silvermedallist), Tran Le Quoc Toan (Olympic weightlifting bronze medallist),Nguyen Thuy Hien (multi-time wushu world champion), Nguyen Thi Anh Vien(multi-time SEA Games swimming winner), Bui Thi Thu Thao (Asian Games winner),Le Tu Chinh (four-time SEA Games athletic champion), Quach Thi Lan (Asian championship400m winner), and Le Thanh Tung (World Cup gymnastic champion).
Vietnameseswimmer Nguyen Huy Hoang will represent all athletes to take the Games' oathwhile volleyball referee Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hoa will make a promise to officiatematches based on fairness.
The openingceremony will feature a cultural and artistic performance featuring 3,000people over two hours under director Tran Ly Ly, head of the Performing ArtsDepartment of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The 31st SEA Games' flag raising ceremony will be held on May 11, one day before theopening ceremony.
It is anofficial event to welcome all teams and encourage athletes ahead of theirtournament. It is also expected show Vietnam's hospitality and friendshipto international friends.
Almost 400representatives of all teams, guests and media will take part in the ceremony.
The 31st SEAGames will be held from May 12-23 in 12 cities and province. Football will bethe first sport organised from May 6.
The regionalbiennial event will see the participation of almost 10,000 athletes, coachesand officials of 40 sports./.
VNA
