Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung (centre) presents Certificates of Merits to the outstanding athletes of the 32nd SEA Games. (Photo: VNA) The Cambodian regional sport meet saw Vietnam’s best ever achievement whencompeting away from home.
At the May 5-17 event, 1,003 Vietnamese athletes took part in 30 among 36sports. They competed in 444 events and won 136 golds, 105 silvers and 118bronzes. The team set 16 records and placed at the top position in the medaltally.
Notably, the women's football team won the title for the fourth time in a row.The golf and basketball squads secured their first ever gold medals in history.
Many athletes made outstanding performances, impressing all supporters at theGames.
Runner Nguyen Thi Oanh pocketed four golds; swimmer Pham Thanh Bao took twogolds and made two records; swimmers Tran Hung Nguyen and Nguyen Huy Hoangtopped the podium three times; weightlifter Nguyen Quoc Toan earned one goldand made three records; and teenage golfer Le Khanh Hung claimed one gold andone silver.
At the review, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung praisedthe delegation's success.
“Athletes brought to play their strong mind, confidence,determination, technique and desire for the pride of the nation," said Hung.
"At the SEA Games, each of our players was not only anathlete but also a culture ambassador. Our competitors created impressiveremarks and received strong support from international friends, spreading loveand beautiful feelings around the community."
He asked all concerned parties to promote these good results andprepare carefully for the 33rd SEA Games to achieve better achievements.
The athletes' efforts and achievements were recognised right after their returnhome. President Vo Van Thuong met with them and delivered bonuses andcertificates of merit.
The SEA Games victory was mentioned as one of the impressive marks of thecountry in the government's report of activities in the first six months of 2023.
Recognising their great efforts, Hung, on behalf of the government, presented onesecond-class Labour Order to the Vietnam delegation, 37 third-class LabourOrders and 196 Prime Minister's Certificate of Merits to teams and individuals./.