SEA Games 31 postponed due to COVID-19

The Vietnam Sports Administration (VSA) has suggested the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) delay the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) to a more suitable time to ensure COVID-19 prevention and control, and the safety of participants, said spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang.

SEA Games 31 postponed due to COVID-19. (Photo: VNA)
SEA Games 31 postponed due to COVID-19. (Photo: VNA)

Hang unveiled the information during the ministry’s regular press conference which was held virtually on July 8, explaining that the delay is due to the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region and the world.

In an interview recently granted to the Vietnam News Agency, VSA Deputy General Director Tran Duc Phan said as originally planned, SEA Games 31 and the 11th ASEAN Para Games will take place later this year.

However, the pandemic prompted the VSA to adjust the plan to submit to the MoCST and suggested the postponement of SEA Games 31 to the first half of next year, he added.