Vietnam cancels hosting ASEAN Para Games

By Nghia Phu October 26, 2021 | 11:21 pm PT

Weightlifter Le Van Cong with his silver medal at Tokyo Paralympics on August 26, 2021. Photo by VnExpress

Vietnam is scheduled to host the next SEA Games in May next year, but cancel Para Games, according to an official plan approved Tuesday.

The regional sports events were scheduled for late 2021, but have been delayed given complicated developments of Covid-19 in Vietnam and other participating countries.

The Politburo, the Communist Party’s decision-making body, on Tuesday approved a plan by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to organize SEA Games 31 in May 2022, but not Para Games.

Organizers of SEA Games 31 will inform the Olympic committees of other Southeast Asian countries regarding the decision.

Last year, the Philippines also delayed Para Games over economic difficulties, before canceling it due to Covid-19 fears.

Vietnam will organize SEA Games with 40 sports in the northern region. It is upgrading stadiums and other venues to prepare for the event, expected to attract around 20,000 people from 11 countries.