President hails athletes for performances at SEA Games 32

President Vo Van Thuong presentes Labour Orders to a number of athletes at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – President Vo Van Thuong met in Hanoi on May 23 more than100 outstanding athletes and coaches, who freshly brought about anunprecedented success for Vietnam at SEA Games 32.

The 32nd edition in Cambodia marked the first time inhistory that the Vietnamese contingent, despite not being at the host position,had topped the tally with 136 gold, 105 silver and 118 bronze medals, broken 12records, and set four new records.

At the meeting, PresidentThuong and other leaders presented the second-class Labour Order to runner NguyenThi Oanh, who seized four gold medals at the game; and 37 third-class LabourOrders to other athletes for their excellent performances. The order is a nobledistinction of the Party and State.

President Thuong presents the second-class Labour Order to runner Nguyen Thi Oanh, who seized four gold medals at the game. (Photo: VNA)

Congratulating participating athletes and hailing theirefforts and achievements, Thuong affirmed that the Party, State and peoplealways pay attention to the sport sector, includinghigh-achievement sports. He pledged the best possible conditions for athletesto practice and compete in order to continuously improve their performances.

The President requested agencies involved, especially theMinistry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, well implement the nation’s long-termstrategy of sports development with a further vision.

President Vo Van Thuong speaks at the meeting. (Photo: VNA)

He said it is necessary to give priority to sports ofVietnam's strength, particularly in training, fostering, and discovering thenext generation of coaches and athletes to sustain and promote the topperformance.

Thuong hoped the coaches and athletes will keep the inspirationand motivation of the SEA Games 32 success, and work harder to conquer new heights in theircareer./.

VNA