sea games 31 officially opens in grand style picture 1
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc participates in the SEA Games 31’s grand opening ceremony.
National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue is among the participating leaders.
The grand opening ceremony opens with a special art show extending the message of the games “For a Strong Southeast Asia” choreographed by Tran Ly Ly.
Themed ‘For a Stronger Southeast Asia’, the opening ceremony consists of three chapters: A Friendly Vietnam, A Strong Southeast Asia, and Southeast Asia to Shine.
The event includes many grand stages, using traditional symbolic images such as bamboo, rice, lotus or conical hats to entertain spectators with interesting stories.
Through art performances, over 1,000 artists introduce the Vietnamese culture and honour the cultural identities of Southeast Asian nations, with a view to  reinforcing solidarity and friendship among ASEAN member states.
Southeast Asian athletes join a parade during the ceremony.
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivers a speech to officially open the region’s biggest sporting event SEA Games 31.
The SEA Games 31 flame shines after Vietnamese runner Quach Thi Lan lit the cauldron.
A firework display at My Dinh National Stadium.