(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./.
In recent years, Lac Thuy district has paid increasing attention to investing in cultural and sports infrastructure. These grassroots facilities have attracted a large number of residents to participate in recreational and cultural activities, physical training, and community engagement, contributing to the development of cultural life and the local socio-economic growth.
In recent years, the mass physical training and sports (PTS) movement in Hoa Binh province has developed strongly and spread widely. Regardless of age, gender or occupation, people actively participate in physical training, creating a vibrant and enthusiastic sports atmosphere within the community.
Recently, Hoa Binh’s athletes have continued to show strong performances at national-level competitions. Alongside elite athletes, several standout performers have emerged from grassroots sports movements, underlining the province’s growing sports culture.
From April 26 to 27, at the Provincial Sports Arena, the Hoa Binh Provincial Karate Federation organized the 2025 Hoa Binh Open ASUDO Karate Championship.
While modern sports like volleyball and football continue to grow in popularity, traditional folk games and ethnic sports remain a vibrant and essential part of cultural life among the Muong community in Hoa Binh province.
A total of 85 young players from across Hoa Binh province recently participated in the provincial Youth Table Tennis Tournament. Organised by the provincial Centre for Youth Activities, the event was part of activities to celebrate the 94th founding anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (March 26, 1931 – 2025) and the 79th anniversary of Vietnam Sports Day (March 27, 1946 – 2025).