Hyatt Regency West Hanoi Hotel hosts SEA Games 31 sport delegations. (photo: Duong Thuat/ VOV)

SEA Games 31 clearly demonstrated its theme "For a stronger Southeast Asia", and its opening and closing ceremony made a strong impression on both media and visiting delegations.

The International Olympic Committee and international media agencies praised the opening extravaganza. The IOC homepage described the opening ceremony of SEA Games 31 as ‘lively performances highlighted by a lotus dance symbolizing inspiration, aspiration, and power’.

Singapore’s Straits Times hailed Vietnam’s organization of the Games at a time when Southeast Asia is struggling with COVID-19.

The AFP said Vietnam created a brilliant spectacle of captivating dance and music during the opening ceremony despite bad weather. For two hours the organizers presented a colorful Vietnam landscape combining technology and traditional art forms.

Moun Sokundara of Cambodia’s KEILA News, reporting from Thien Truong stadium in Nam Dinh province, said the improved infrastructure, competition venues, and accommodations for athletes showed Vietnam’s respect for the event. Cambodia, he said, should learn from Vietnam’s example to successfully organize the next SEA Games in 2023.

Performers on stage during the closing ceremony of the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, on May 23, 2022. (Photo: ARIFFIN JAMAR)

Udomsak Paktanapong, a reporter for Thailand’s Matichon newspaper, said Vietnam took good care of visiting reporters.

Elmi Rizal Bin Elias, an editor with the Malaysian News Agency, praised the working environment created for reporters, particularly the well-equipped modern press center.   

Philippines’ daily newspaper Starsaid Vietnam gave a warm reception to sports delegations and other visitors.

SEA Games 31, the second SEA Games successfully hosted by Vietnam, showed the world a friendly, modern, responsible Vietnam and left everyone with lots of good memories.