The organiser initially selected marksman Hoang Xuan Vinh for the role. However, the Olympic medalist will not compete at the upcoming games as an athlete so the honour was transferred to Lan who championed the women’s 400m hurdles at the 2018 Asian Games (ASIAD).

Sprinter and hurdler Quach Thi Lan (centre) will be the cauldron lighter at the opening ceremony of the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) in Hanoi later this month.

Vinh is the most successful sports person in Vietnam's history. He won one gold and one silver at the 2016 Rio Games, Vietnam's best result at the world's largest sport festival.

Vinh now has a new role to fulfill at SEA Games 31 - the national head coach of the shooting team. Vinh will join nine Vietnamese sports heroes to take the honour of anchoring the torch relay before he hands it over to Lan, a gesture symbolising the succession of Vietnam’s sports in pursuit of new heights at the international arena.

The nine athletes include Olympic 2000 taekwondo gold medalist Tran Hieu Ngan, Olympic 2008 weightlifting silver medalist Hoang Anh Tuan, Olympic 2012 weightlifting bronze medalist Tran Le Quoc Toan, multi-time wushu world champion Nguyen Thuy Hien, and multi-time SEA Games swimming winner Nguyen Thi Anh Vien.

Vietnamese swimmer Nguyen Huy Hoang will represent all athletes to take the Games' oath while volleyball referee Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa will make a promise to officiate matches based on fairness.

Reigning fencing champion Vu Thanh An will fly the flag for Vietnam. It will be An's fifth time taking the honourable duty for the nation. He previously took the responsibility at the Rio Olympics in 2016, SEA Games 2017 and 2019 and the Asian Games in 2018.

An is considered a 'lucky' flag bearer as after his service, Vietnam won their first ever Olympic and Asian Games golds.

At this year's Games, An is one of the country’'s gold hopefuls in men's sabre fencing event. The 29-year-old won the title at the last three Games.

The opening ceremony will feature a cultural and artistic performance featuring 3,000 people over two hours under director Tran Ly Ly, head of the Performing Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The SEA Games' flag raising ceremony will be held on May 11, one day before the opening ceremony.

It is an official event to welcome all teams and encourage athletes ahead of their tournament. It is also expected to show Vietnam's hospitality and friendship to international friends.

Almost 400 representatives of all teams, guests and media will take part in the ceremony.

The 31st SEA Games will be held from May 12-23 in 12 cities and provinces. Football will be the first sport organised from May 6.

The regional biennial event will see the participation of almost 10,000 athletes, coaches and officials of 40 sports.

Bac Giang welcomes Sea Games 31

The northern province of Bac Giang has basically completed all preparations to host badminton event of the 31st Southeast Asian Games, which is scheduled on May 16 – 22, 2022 at the Bac Giang provincial Gymnasium in the South urban area of Bac Giang city. The province is now ready to welcome SEA Games 31. 

Tourism promotion clip launched to welcome SEA Games 31

A tourism promotion video clip, themed “Let’s shine and live fully”, was officially launched on the YouTube channel of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) on April 30.

Bac Giang athletes competing at SEA Games 31

(BGO) - At the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31), Bac Giang has nine athletes competing in many events. At this time, they are focusing on training with the goal of earning the highest achievements in the regional arena.

Bac Giang provincial Gymnasium readies for SEA Games 31

(BGO) – The Bac Giang provincial Gymnasium in the South urban area of Bac Giang city (Bac Giang province) can provide about 4,500 seats. It will be the official competition venue for badminton event at the upcoming 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) from May 16 – 22, 2022. After long and thoroughly preparation, the facility has been completed to host the biggest sport event of the region.

Source: VNA