In reality, the Vietnamese sports delegation will face numerous challenges at SEA Games 33, especially with the Games being held in Thailand – the region’s strongest competitor. Additionally, countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines are also formidable opponents, with well-developed investments in facilities, nutrition, and training conditions.
Moreover, many of Vietnam’s strong sports disciplines are not included in this edition’s official competition program, notably Vovinam and Dance Sport.
Furthermore, several events in sports such as Judo, Shooting, Boxing, Wushu (Sanshou), Taekwondo, Aerobic Gymnastics, Billiards, Muay, and Pencak Silat have been reduced or have limitations on the number of athletes allowed to compete. This represents the greatest challenge for Vietnamese sports delegation, as it significantly complicates achieving the medal targets set by the Vietnamese sports delegation.
To prepare for SEA Games 33, immediately after the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, the Vietnam Department of Sports directed a review, assessment of the athlete pool, and preparation of professional conditions.
It is expected that the Vietnamese sports delegation will participate in SEA Games 33 with more than 1,000 members, including athletes, coaches, as well as experts, officials, and medical staff, competing in 45 out of 66 sports and sub-disciplines. Of these, 40 sports are funded by the state budget, and 5 sports are supported through socialization (Billiards, Figure Skating, Esports, Baseball & Softball, Mixed Martial Arts).
To optimize training and aim for the highest goals at the Games, the Vietnam Department of Sports has divided the sports into three main groups:
Group 1 (Key sports for gold medals): Includes traditional strengths such as Athletics, Swimming, Shooting, Wrestling, Taekwondo, Karate, Weightlifting, Fencing, Canoeing and Traditional Rowing, Gymnastics, Boxing, Judo, Jujitsu, Petanque, Wushu, Muay, Rowing, Cycling, Chess, Archery, Pencak Silat, Table Tennis, Aerobic Gymnastics, Combined Sports, Football, Indoor Volleyball, Golf, Handball, 3×3 Basketball, and Sepak Takraw.
Group 2 (Sports with medal potential): Tennis, 5×5 Basketball, Diving, Artistic Gymnastics, Badminton, Beach Volleyball, Sailing, Bowling, Roller Sports.
Group 3 (Socialized sports): Billiards, Figure Skating, Esports, Baseball & Softball, MMA.
Alongside the group division, efforts to enhance athlete training have been intensified both domestically and abroad. Key teams have received strong investments in professional and logistical support, from nutrition and training equipment to medical care and injury recovery. This creates an encouraging atmosphere and reduces performance pressure for the teams.
Facing these challenges, the Vietnam Department of Sports has proactively assessed the situation and implemented suitable strategies, such as focusing investments on highly competitive sports and sending top athletes for international training and competitions to gain experience and improve skills.
In addition, the Vietnam Department of Sports has received close attention from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and President of the Vietnam Olympic Committee Nguyen Van Hung, who directed the sports sector to pursue long-term strategies, selecting sports with potential to compete for medals at the continental and Olympic levels.
The Minister requested that breakthrough sports be identified early and systematically invested in, while also discovering and nurturing promising young talents. Moreover, athlete management, care, and competition conditions, including nutrition and training environment, must be given special attention.
SEA Games 33 in Thailand at the end of 2025 is not only a regional sporting event but also an important milestone for Vietnamese sports delegation to assert its position and continue the successes achieved. Having hosted SEA Games 31 and ranked first overall at SEA Games 32, the pressure and expectations on the Vietnamese sports delegation are significant. In addition, there are numerous challenges both objectively and subjectively.
However, with continuous efforts and systematic, well-planned investments, Vietnamese sports delegation will enter the region’s largest Games with confidence, determination, and a strong desire to win. This is not only an opportunity to win medals but also to further affirm the position of Vietnamese sports on the regional stage.
SEA Games 33 will take place from December 9 to 20, 2025, in Bangkok, Chonburi province, and Songkhla province, Thailand. Athletes from 11 Southeast Asian countries will compete in 585 events across 66 sports and sub-disciplines. TTVN’s goal at this edition is to strive to rank among the top overall, aiming to win 80-100 gold medals. Special expectations are set to achieve first place regionally in certain sports such as Athletics, Karate, and Wrestling, and to improve rankings in key events such as Boxing, Cycling, Swimming, Shooting, and Fencing.
Ha Phuong (compiling)