 Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the closing ceremony of the 31st Southeast Asian Games. (Photo: Vu Toan) |
While the overall spirit of the opening ceremony was attractive, moving, humane and inspirational, the special art program of the closing ceremony was to create an unforgettable resonance with international friends. It showed the image of Vietnam as a country deeply imbued with its traditional identity and intensively integrating into the world.
The success of the 31st SEA Games reflects the efforts of the host country Vietnam, the enthusiastic support of regional countries, and the newly established records as well as honesty, magnanimity, and a good future development of regional sports. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addressed the closing ceremony: “We gather here to confirm the visions and missions of ASEAN which are solidarity, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development. The visions and missions have surpassed the value of a Southeast Asian sports event. As the host country, an active, and responsible member of ASEAN and the international community, with the spirit of hospitality and respect, the leaders of the Party and State of Vietnam have paid special attention to this event. Vietnam has made great efforts to effectively prevent and control the COVID-19 epidemic, ensure social security, stabilize people's lives, focus on promoting recovery and development, while prioritizing resources to successfully organize the 31st SEA Games.”
 LED Dance troupe performs at the closing of SEA Games 31. (photo: Vu toan) |
At the closing ceremony, the host flag was handed over to Cambodian representatives. After that, artists from Cambodia had a performance of “Cambodia Welcoming and Blessing” to introduce their country, people and culture.
Vietnam ranked first in the medal standings with 205 gold, 125 silver, and 116 bronze medals. Thailand ranks second and Indonesia goes in the third place.