Vietnamese esport athlete competing in Dota 2 discipline at SEA Games 30 in the Philippines, December 8, 2019. (Photo by VnExpress/Duong Vi Khoa)

The Southeast Asian Games Federation Executive Committee approved them at a recent online meeting and will make a formal announcement in November. Vietnam said triathlon (swimming, cycling and running) is a developing sport with many international races being held in the region. It was also included in previous editions of the games.

Vietnam, which plans to hold a triathlon in the northern Quang Ninh Province, will set up a federation in future to develop the sport in the country. The venues for bowling, jiu jitsu and esports will be announced later.

The addition of the four sports increases the total number at next year’s games to 40, 16 less than last year, with Vietnam blaming this on the economic downturn due to the Covid pandemic.

The 31st SEA Games are scheduled to be held from November 21 to December 2, and the Para Games from December 14 to 21.

Vietnam once hosted the SEA Games before in 2003. Last year it finished second in the medals tally with 288 medals, including 98 golds.