(HBO) – The 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) are just days away, taking place in 12 provinces and cities nationwide. The northern province of Hoa Binh plays host to the cycling events, including road cycling and mountain biking from May 14-22.

Cyclists from
Vietnam and other regional countries gather in Hoa Binh city to practice prior
to the event.
Dao Tien Cuong, Deputy Director of Hoa Binh Department of
Culture-Sport and Tourism stated the department is working hard with the
Vietnam Motorcycle and Bicycle Association to complete track upgrades for the cycling
and mountain bike events. Most of the 7km-track for the mountain bike race is
newly built and is a feature event at the games.
Inspecting the track for the mountain bike event in Hoa Binh city,
head of the SEA Games 31 cycling referee committee Nuthapong Lohitnavy said
this is the most difficult race track he has ever seen.
The province has prepared well for the event, he said, expressing
hope the racetracks will not only be used during the SEA Games, but will remain
in place for future events.
Cyclists will stay at local hotels in the area, with the 4-star
Sakura taking the majority of racers in its 140 rooms, while the 3-star Hoa Dao
chips in with the balance of the racers in its 40 rooms.
The province currently has more than 400 accommodations, including
40 hotels and tourist attractions, all ready to serve sport delegations and tourists.
Added to this, the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and
Tourism is training a team of volunteers, guides and receptionists to receive
guests. The province will also divert traffic to control its flow and remain
focused on Covid-19 safety protocols in the hope of staging a winning set of
events for SEA Games 31./.
On February 23, the Hoa Binh Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, in collaboration with the General Department of Sports and Physical Training’s karate division and the provincial Karate federation, organised the 2025 national karate dan promotion exam at the provincial sports arena. The exam covered the first (Shodan), second (Nidan), and third (Sandan) dan levels, with no fourth (Yondan) or fifth (Godan) dan tests this year.
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.