SEA Games 31 kicks of with colorful opening ceremony

The opening ceremony of the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) was held solemnly at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on May 12 evening.

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The flag-raising ceremony takes place in solemn atmosphere.
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President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and Speaker of the Singaporean Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin, attended the ceremony.
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A beautiful performance of Vietnamese artists.
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A dance with lotus, a symbol of Vietnam will and strong spirit.
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The Vietnamese contingent on the stage of My Dinh National Stadium for parade.
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Cambodia contingent. 
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Indonesia contingent. 
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Laos contingent. 
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Malaysia contingent. 
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Timor-Leste contingent. 
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Philippines contingent. 
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Brunei Darussalam contingent. 
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Myanmar contingent. 
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Singapore contingent. 
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Thailand contingent. 
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Many fans came to My Dinh stadium despite the rainy weather.
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The opening ceremony saw the presence of a large number of athletes and coaches from the 11 delegations who have been competing in 40 sports since May 4. The Vietnamese delegation comprises more than 1,300 members.
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Athlete Vu Thanh An – gold medal at SEA Games 28, 29, 30 was honored to read the oath at the opening ceremony. 
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The flags of the Southeast Asian Games Federation and SEA Games 31 come into My Dinh National Stadium. 
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After President Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivered a speech to officially open the regional sports event, fireworks exploded at My Dinh Stadium. 
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The ceremony looked to not only popularise images of Vietnam but also express the country’s readiness for integration, creativity, and contribution “For a Stronger Southeast Asia” as the theme of the Games goes. SEA Games 31 is taking place in Hanoi and 11 nearby localities until May 23.
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SEA Games 31 is taking place until May 23 in Hanoi and 11 provinces and cities with the theme “For a stronger Southeast Asia”.
By A.N (Photo: VNA)

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