Vietnam has confirmed that it will host the delayed SEA Games in May next year, Thai officials said on Friday.
Chaipak Siriwat, COO of the Bangkok-based SEA Games Federation, said Vietnam sent the confirmation letter to the SEAGF dated Oct 28.
The letter was signed by Tran Duc Phan, deputy chairman of the 31st SEA Games organising committee.
"We would like to officially confirm that the 31st SEA Games will be held in mid-May 2022," the letter said.
"The specific dates will be announced as soon as possible after we receive the government's final decision."
The tournament was originally scheduled to take place in Hanoi this year but has been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chaipak said the Games are expected to feature 40 sports with 520 gold medals on offer.
He said he had informed parties concerned including the Sports Authority of Thailand to get ready for the event.
Unfortunately, the country will not organise the Asean Para Games, according to Chaipak.
Vietnam previously hosted the multisport competition in 2003 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The last edition was held in the Philippines in 2019.
Meanwhile, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong said the country is ready to welcome participants from 11 member nations.
Speaking at the Asean Ministerial Meeting on Sports held virtually on Thursday, Cuong said after nearly five months of hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic, preparations for the tournament are being accelerated.