SOMS16 Second Session: SEA Games 33 Preparations Receive Much Attention

Within the framework of the ASEAN Senior Sports Officials Meeting, the second session focused on discussing the implementation of activities to celebrate ASEAN Sports Day 2025, preparations for the 33rd SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games 2025, and key orientations during Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2025.

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 organized many rich and synchronized sports programs from the central to local levels, associated with the ASEAN logo to promote the image of a dynamic Vietnam, loving sports and actively integrating into the region.

Overview of the afternoon working session

Across the country, localities simultaneously organized Olympic Running Days for the health of the people, attracting thousands of people to participate in activities such as jogging, walking, swimming, badminton, etc. All aimed at improving health, enhancing exchanges, connecting the community and spreading the spirit of ASEAN solidarity. "Sports not only train physical fitness but also serve as a bridge for peace , understanding and regional cooperation" - Ms. Le Thi Hoang Yen emphasized.

In the next content, the Thai representative presented the preparations for the 33rd SEA Games and the 2025 ASEAN Para Games. According to the plan, the 33rd SEA Games will take place from December 9 to 20, 2025 in Bangkok, with 50 sports and 574 competitions. The 2025 ASEAN Para Games will be held in Nakhon Ratchasima province from January 20 to 26, 2026, with the opening and closing ceremonies at the Sports Complex to celebrate the 80th birthday of the King of Thailand.

Thai representative presents preparations for SEA Games 33

A notable highlight is that the 33rd SEA Games Torch Relay will officially start on November 16, 2025, passing through 4 provinces including Bangkok, Chonburi, Songkhla and Nakhon Ratchasima. The event will be attended by ASEAN Ambassadors in Sanam Luang (Bangkok), aiming to spread the spirit of solidarity and friendship 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 "accessibility, inclusion for everyone and reflecting Thai identity". The SEA Games version bears the colors of the Thai national flag, while the ASEAN Para Games mascot represents the spirit of overcoming difficulties and the will to rise of disabled athletes.

Mascot of SEA Games 33

The Thai representative said that all preparations are on schedule. From October 17-19, the country will hold the SEA Games 33 Technical Meeting to review expertise and receive comments from member countries. With the slogan "Inclusivity and Sustainability", Thailand affirmed its determination to organize an impressive Games, spreading the spirit of cooperation and sustainable development of Southeast Asian sports.

In the final session, Malaysia – the country assuming the role of ASEAN Chair in 2025 – presented the orientation and key initiatives under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability".

The Malaysian representative emphasized that the ASEAN sports development strategy in the new period will focus on combining high-level policy dialogue and grassroots participation, thereby turning sports into a driving force for sustainable social development and regional community cohesion.

The proposed initiatives focus on five key areas: Promoting gender equality in sports; Encouraging healthy and active lifestyles; Enhancing capacity and training ASEAN youth; Enhancing regional cooperation and building a unified and sustainable sports environment; Promoting the role of sports in strengthening ASEAN identity and the spirit of "one vision - one identity - one community".

Malaysia also expressed its desire to build an “ASEAN Sports Legacy” – a platform for long-term and transformational cooperation, linking sports with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In their concluding remarks, ASEAN member countries appreciated the efforts of Thailand and Malaysia, and affirmed their commitment to continue cooperation so that sports can become a bridge to promote peace, friendship and sustainable development in the Southeast Asian region.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/phien-hop-thu-hai-soms16-cong-tac-chuan-bi-sea-games-33-nhan-duoc-nhieu-su-chu-y-20251013202429432.htm