Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc yesterday presented first-class Labour Orders to the Vietnam sport delegation and swimmer Nguyen Thi Anh Vien during a meeting with 30th SEA Games athletes and coaches in Hanoi. — VNA/VNS Photo Thong Nhat

PM appreciated the hard work and success of all delegation at the region's biennial sport event which saw Vietnam's best result ever.

The team placed second behind the hosts Philippines, with athletes taking 98 gold, 85 silver and 105 bronze medals. It was the first time the men's football team were crowned champions. The tennis team won first ever title while the basketball squad entered top three for the first time.

Swimmer Vien is the best Vietnamese athlete at the Games. Vien was one of two athletes honoured at the Games' closing ceremony. She earned six titles individually.

PM Phuc also awarded the second-class Labour Orders to the U22 squad, the women's national team and their coach Mai Duc Chung.

Later, Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh presented 27 third-class Labour Orders to athletes and coaches.

Phuc said together with the development of the economy, success of the national sport inspires Vietnamese people. Admiration and spirit of athletes should be spread widely, helping to push up socio-economic development, she said.

The national leader also asked athletes to keep working hard to improve their results and skills for future tournaments including the 31st Games that Vietnam will host in 2021.

PM Phuc appointed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to complete their policy on nurturing talent, value the importance of the federations, associations clubs, and improve the state management of sporting activities. VNS

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