Participants take part in the closing ceremony of the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi. PHOTO: AFP
Two weeks of sporting fever in the region came to a conclusion following the closing ceremony of the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games at the Indoor Athletics Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam last night.
The event kicked off with a musical performance by four local artists showcasing the country’s iconic pedicab, a mode of land transportation especially in the busy streets of Hanoi.
It continued with uniformed personnel bearing the flags of the participating countries into the stadium starting with Brunei Darussalam in alphabetical order.
Major sporting highlights across a wide range of sports took the giant screen highlighting not only the success of the athletes but also celebrating the togetherness and unity of the region.
The event also witnessed four top athletes from the Games being feted with awards in recognition of their excellent performances.
As per tradition, the transition of handing over hosting rights began with the lowering of the SEA Games flag and subsequently the folding over of the flag.
Cambodia will next host the 32nd SEA Games.
The ceremony was further enlivened with a performance from the next hosts with women adorned with traditional attire symbolising the country’s proud heritage.
Vietnam topped the medal table with 205 gold medals, 125 silver and 116 bronze in the 31st SEA Games.
The next edition of the SEA Games is scheduled to take place from May 5 to 17 next year.
