The 33rd SEA Games flame is about to be lit: A symbol of peace and ASEAN cooperation

TPO - According to information from the 16th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Sports (SOMS-16) in Hanoi, the 33rd SEA Games torch relay will start on November 16 in Bangkok, passing through four provinces of Thailand with the accompaniment of ASEAN Ambassadors. The journey of the sports flame not only kicks off the regional games, but also sends a strong message about the spirit of integration, friendship and sustainable development of the ASEAN community.

Báo Tiền Phong•14/10/2025

Ms. Le Thi Hoang Yen - Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports Department spoke at the conference

Within the framework of the 16th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Sports (SOMS-16) taking place in Hanoi , the second session focused on discussing key contents such as: activities to celebrate ASEAN Sports Day 2025 or preparations for the 33rd SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games 2025.

At the beginning of the meeting, delegates reviewed the series of activities to celebrate ASEAN Sports Day (August 8). Representatives of member countries shared many initiatives to spread the message “Sports for health, sports for a united ASEAN community”.

Reporting at the Conference, Ms. Le Thi Hoang Yen, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports Department, said that in response to ASEAN Sports Day, Vietnam has implemented many rich and synchronous sports programs from the central to local levels, associated with the image and symbol of ASEAN.

Activities such as the Olympic Running Day for Public Health, along with a series of mass sports movements such as jogging, walking, swimming, badminton, etc. have attracted a large number of people to participate, thereby spreading the spirit of solidarity and friendship in the ASEAN community.

“Sports not only train physical fitness but also serve as a bridge for peace , understanding and regional cooperation,” Ms. Yen emphasized.

As the host country of two of the region's biggest sporting events, Thailand received special attention when it reported in detail its preparations for the 33rd SEA Games and the 2025 ASEAN Para Games.

The 33rd SEA Games is scheduled to take place from December 9 to 20, 2025 in Bangkok, with 50 sports and 574 events. Meanwhile, the 2025 ASEAN Para Games is scheduled to be held in Nakhon Ratchasima province from January 20 to 26, 2026, with the opening and closing ceremonies at the Sports Complex, commemorating the 80th birthday of the King of Thailand.

A notable highlight is the 33rd SEA Games Torch Relay, which will officially kick off on November 16, passing through four localities including Bangkok, Chonburi, Songkhla and Nakhon Ratchasima. The event will be attended by ASEAN Ambassadors in Sanam Luang (Bangkok), symbolizing the spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation in the region.

Also at the conference, Thailand introduced a new version of the mascot “The San”, the official symbol for both the SEA Games and the ASEAN Para Games 2025. The mascot is designed to be modern and easily recognizable, expressing the spirit of “inclusion, friendliness and reflecting Thai identity”. The SEA Games version carries the colors of the Thai national flag, while the ASEAN Para Games version honors the determination and overcoming spirit of athletes with disabilities.

The host country representative said that preparations are on schedule. From October 17 to 19, Thailand will hold the SEA Games 33 Technical Meeting to review expertise and receive comments from member countries.

With the slogan "Integration and sustainable development", Thailand affirmed its determination to organize an impressive congress, spreading the spirit of cooperation, solidarity and sustainable development of Southeast Asian sports.