(HBO) – Dato Amarjit Singh Gill, Vice President of Asian Cycling Federation, has said that the cycling event at the 31 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) had been successfully organised by Hoa Binh province - the host of the competition. The enthusiasm of the province’s cheering fans has contributed to its success, Gill said.
Leaders of Hoa Binh province give gifts to athletes of
the Vietnamese cycling team.
Although it was raining, a lot of fans came to the competition venue to cheer
for not only Vietnamese athletes but also those from other countries, he said,
adding that it helped create a noble sports spirit.
This feeling is also shared by other foreign delegates including athlete
Priatna Delia Ayustrina of the Indonesian team.
Priatna, who won a gold medal in the women's downhill biking event, said the
athletes received support from the local organising board in arranging
accommodation, adding that the staff at hotels where they stayed were very
helpful.
In addition to meals that are suitable for athletes' nutrition, athletes can
use many services at the hotels, such as gym, sauna and swimming pool which are
very good for them to recover after training, she said.
Mohd Basri Siti Natasha, one of the youngest members of the Malaysian cycling
team, said she felt nervous as this was the first time she took part in a
regional sports event. However, what surprised Mohd most was that as soon as
she finished her competition, many fans at the competition venue applauded
enthusiastically. Some local residents even wanted to make acquaintance and
took photos with her.
"People here are really friendly. They wave and smile to an athlete when he or
she arrives at the competition venue regardless of his or her nationality,” she
said, adding that it created a great atmosphere and helped them play better.
As for Fanani Zaenal, a member of the Indonesian team, he was impressed by the
fans beating their drums to cheer for the cyclistsduring the days of
competition in Hoa Binh.
Fanani participated in the men’s cross-country mountain biking event with a
distance of 18km. The road was long with many steep bends, especially when it
was raining, he recalled, adding that it was quite slippery.
A lot of local residents stood along both sides of the road to give
encouragement to the event’s participants and they carried a lot of red flags
with yellow stars. Indeed, Fanani felt some pressure when he saw that scene.
However, fans cheered for not only Vietnamese cyclists but also from other countries
which made athletes like him feel very happy and respectful.
Good impression of a friendly Hoa Binh is also a common feeling of foreign
athletes competing in the cycling event. The province organized many activities
to welcome the Games’ delegates including holding a warm reception for athletes
participating in the tournament and a "highland market” with unique cultural
features, aiming to introduce its specialties as well as offering free tours
for them.
The 31st SEA Games has officially closed with Vietnam ranked first in the medal
standings. Both international and domestic public opinions consider it as a
tournament full of records and warm people. Sharing about the organisation of
the event in Hoa Binh, Bui Thi Niem, Director of the provincial Department of
Culture, Sports and Tourism, deputy head of the local organising committee said
that despite facing difficulties and urgency due to the negative impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic, the province has tried its best to make the tournament a
success./.
In the early days of the Year of the Snake, Hoa Binh province is filled with a lively and joyful atmosphere as various sports exchange and competition activities take place. These events have become a cherished tradition among local ethnic communities, strengthening their solidarity and fostering their close bonds. They contribute to the robust development of grassroots sports movements, enhancing the cultural and spiritual life of the people.
The Hoa Binh provincial Health sector trade union organized the 1st expanded Hoa Binh provincial Health sector Pickleball tournament in 2025.
At the Hoa Binh provincial sports arena, the Organizing Committee of the 8th Hoa Binh City Sports Festival 2025 held youth and championship crossbow shooting, tug of war, and stick pushing tournaments.
Enforcement Departments of 7 Provinces in the Northeastern and Mountainous Regions
On February 19th, at the Hoa Binh Province Sports Hall, the Cluster of Judicial Departments and Civil Judgment Enforcement Departments of 7 provinces in the Northeastern and Mountainous regions, including Hoa Binh, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, Bac Kan, Yen Bai, Bac Giang and Phu Tho organized a friendly sports competition. A total of 52 athletes from the provinces in the cluster participated in the competition.
At 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 16th, at Hoa Binh Provincial Stadium, Hoa Binh Football Club (Hoa Binh FC) played against Long An Football Club (Long An FC) in round 9 of the National First Division Football Tournament - Bia Sao Vang, 2024 - 2025. The dramatic match ended in a 0-0 draw when no goals were scored.
At 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 16th, at Hoa Binh Provincial Stadium, Hoa Binh Football Club (Hoa Binh FC) played against Long An Football Club (Long An FC) in round 9 of the National First Division Football Tournament - Bia Sao Vang, 2024 - 2025. The dramatic match ended in a 0-0 draw when no goals were scored.
