The organising board of the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) have decided to allow people to watch the games for free in order to spread the message "For a stronger Southeast Asia".
My Dinh Stadium
SEA Games 31 will be going on from May 12-23 with 40 games in Vietnam. The capital of Hanoi will host 20 games in 12 districts while some other games will be organised in 11 other provinces including Nam Dinh, Quang Ninh, and Hai Duong.
The Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports on Tuesday said that the city would allow free entry at all local stadiums except for the opening and closing ceremonies and the men's football matches.
Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports Administration, Le Thi Hoang Yen, said that the SEA Games 31 was a major regional sport event so should receive large attention from the public.
"Free entry to the events will provide more opportunities for more people to watch and encourage the athletes," the official said. "This would also help boost the love for sport and exercise among local people and attract more visitors to the localities."
Vietnam has registered 965 athletes to compete in all 40 sports at the SEA Games 31, striving to win 140 gold, 77 silver and 71 bronze medals and secure the top place in the tally.
