The 31^st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31), to be hosted by Viet Nam, is slated to take place from May 12-23, 2022, in the capital city of Ha Noi, and the northern provinces of Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, Vinh Phuc, Bac Giang and Phu Tho. The largest sporting event in Southeast Asia is set to feature a total of 40 sports along with 520 events.

The information was released by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam at his Thursday meeting with members of the National Steering Committee for SEA Games 31 to discuss preparation plans for the forthcoming regional sport event.

During the meeting, Deputy PM Dam requested the Ha Noi People's Committee to co-ordinate with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and relevant departments and agencies to proactively develop preparation plans for opening and closing ceremonies of SEA Games 31 in a solemn yet economical manner.

The Deputy PM also urged the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to work closely with the Ministry of Health, the Ha Noi authorities, and other relevant agencies put in place a series of anti COVID-19 measures aimed at ensuring safety of athletes and spectators during the upcoming regional sports event.

Most notably, due to the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, Viet Nam will not host the 11^th ASEAN Para Games (ASEAN Para Games 11).

Reporting by BAO AN - Translating by M.D