Bac Giang (VNA) – Bac Giang province, which hosts the badminton matches of the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31), has completed its preparations and is all set for the regional sporting event.
Nguyen Trong Bac, deputy director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the matches will be held at the provincial gymnasium in Dinh Ke district of Bac Giang city from May 16 to 22. This 4,500-seat gymnasium meets international standards and is one of the most modern of its kind in the North.
To prepare for the Games, the province has spent nearly 10 billion VND ($437,300) to upgrade the venue and acquire new equipment, he said, adding that communication activities have also been promoted, with statues of saola – the mascot of Sea Games 31, banners and posters placed in the city of Bac Giang.
The provincial health department and relevant agencies selected 20 health personnel and organized enough medical supplies for the event.
At the same time, the recruitment of volunteers has been carried out since March. The Muong Thanh Bac Giang hotel, where the athletes will stay during the competition here, has also equipped itself to serve the delegations, according to Nguyên Trong Bac.
A total of 127 athletes from eight countries, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam, are expected to compete in badminton.
The official said it will be the first time for Bac Giang province to host a regional sports event and is committed to creating the best possible conditions for the Games.
Besides the main venue in Hanoi, Bac Giang is one of 11 other locations that will host the SEA Games 31 competitions, scheduled for May 12-23.
The Games, themed “For a Stronger Southeast Asia”, will feature 40 sports with 526 events and are expected to attract around 10,000 participants. The biennial event was originally scheduled for late 2021 but postponed due to the impact of the pandemic.
At SEA Games 30 in 2019, Vietnam finished second in the overall medal standings, with 98 gold, 85 silver and 105 bronze, after hosts Philippines. – VNA
