 Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh awards the Second-class Labor Order to four athletes with outstanding achievements at the 31st SEA Games. Photo: Vu Khuyen/ VOV
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At the commendation ceremony in Hanoi, Prime Minister Chinh said Vietnam hosted the 31st SEA Games with many difficulties amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic. He applauded everybody’s determination for a successful SEA Games, especially the strenuous efforts in training and competition of nearly 5,000 athletes of 40 sports, most of which are official sports of the Olympic and Asian Games. It is also a testament to Vietnam's safe and flexible adaptation and effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is on the way to strong recovery, he said.
“The team of coaches and athletes of Vietnam tried their best, practiced hard, showed confidence, will, bravery and energy, and competed for the colors of the national flag and for the sports spirit of solidarity, honesty and nobility. They combined these with reasonable tactics, maximized the technique and strength of each individual to achieve the highest results during 17 days of fierce competition. Behind a medal were days of hard work and sacrifice of both athletes and coaches. These people had to temporarily put aside their roles as wives, mothers, husbands, and fathers and were unable to be with their loved ones for many months to focus on competing and bringing glory to the country.”
 Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam awards the Third-class Labor Order to teams and athletes with outstanding achievements at the 31st SEA Games. Photo: Vu Khuyen/ VOV
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The Prime Minister requested the physical training and sports sector to set higher goals and make proper investment to approach the level of continental and global sports, while paying more attention to the development of mass sports. He urged for better care of the lives of athletes and coaches, their training conditions, remuneration, and employment after retirement.