The call was made during a ceremonial send-off held at the Government Headquarters on the afternoon of November 28, where PM Chinh delivered a rousing speech to athletes, coaches, and officials.

Also attending were Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung - also President of the Vietnam Olympic Committee - along with senior officials, sports leaders, and athletes bound for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.

The Vietnamese sports delegation will participate with over 1,100 members, including 841 athletes competing in 47 of the 66 sports at the regional games. The team, thoroughly prepared and meeting high professional standards, has set an ambitious goal: to win between 91 and 110 gold medals, aiming to remain among the top-performing nations.

At the send-off event, team representatives expressed enthusiasm and unity, showcasing their readiness to compete and emphasizing a strong commitment to discipline, confidence, and professionalism as they step onto Southeast Asia’s biggest sporting stage.

On this occasion, various organizations and businesses announced sponsorships and support for the athletes and coaching staff. The team also presented a donation to support residents in central Vietnam recovering from recent natural disasters.

During his address, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the dual significance of SEA Games: as a major regional sporting event and a festival of solidarity, friendship, and national character across ASEAN.

Vietnam's delegation, he said, not only carries the goal of winning but also represents the nation’s development, friendliness, discipline, and aspiration, reflecting its global standing and prestige.

Addressing the recent severe flooding across central and highland regions, PM Chinh underscored the government's solidarity efforts and thanked the delegation for their generous contribution to relief efforts.

He reminded athletes and coaches that the indomitable Vietnamese spirit and deep national unity are powerful forces that should inspire them on every field, every track, and in every arena of SEA Games 33.

“I believe that in your journey, you will carry the will to overcome hardship, the courage to push limits, and the resolve to raise the red flag with the yellow star high in regional skies, bringing glory to the Fatherland,” the Prime Minister said.

He acknowledged the long and demanding journey each athlete and coach has taken - marked by discipline, resilience, and sacrifice - and applauded the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and all related agencies for preparing the team with excellence.

Looking ahead, PM Chinh encouraged a broad strategic vision: Vietnam’s ambitions should go beyond SEA Games to include hosting and succeeding at major events like the Asian Games (ASIAD), the Olympics, and world-class tournaments such as the World Cup.

He tasked the delegation with giving their all in every event, treating each competition like a final, striving not just to break personal records but to achieve regional breakthroughs.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of sportsmanship and Vietnamese cultural dignity, urging athletes to compete honestly and honorably while respecting opponents, referees, and fans.

“Each member must be a cultural ambassador, radiating the image of a kind, peace-loving, intelligent, and civilized Vietnam. This helps foster unity and friendship with people across Southeast Asia,” he said.

He reminded coaches and athletes to strictly observe discipline and professional conduct, uphold solidarity, follow international standards, and ensure safety and security throughout the Games.

With strong support from the government and millions of fans back home, PM Chinh called the athletes Vietnam’s “gold-star warriors” and urged them to take pride in the red flag on their chests.

He expressed confidence that the team would live up to their responsibility, courage, and Vietnamese spirit, delivering triumphant performances that would inspire the nation as it heads toward the 14th National Party Congress.

He concluded by saying their success would not only bring glory to the country but also fuel unity and strength across the population, helping build a prosperous and happy Vietnam moving confidently toward socialism.

TTXVN