Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent a letter of congratulations to the national under-23 team for successfully defending their gold medal in men’s football at the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

PM Chinh attended the men’s football final between Vietnam and Thailand at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on Sunday night.

The Vietnamese players beat their Thai rivals 1-0 to win the gold medal in men’s football for the second time in a row at the SEA Games.

After witnessing the performance of the junior Golden Stars, the premier sent a letter to the players and coaches to congratulate them on their victory.

“On Sunday night, we witnessed the great moment when the Vietnamese national under-23 men's football team successfully defended their gold medal at the 31st SEA Games,” the leader wrote.

He expressed his delight at and appreciation for the team’s effort, bravery, resilience, and discipline, saying that the victory is in the spirit of unity of Vietnam.

The squad’s triumph, along with the women’s championship title and achievements of athletes in other sports at the 31st SEA Games, has affirmed the position of Vietnamese football and Vietnamese sports in general in the Southeast Asian region.

The Party and state will continue to develop sports in the nation, PM Chinh stated, adding that he hopes organizations, individuals, and businesses will also contribute to the drive.

The premier extended his thanks to fans across Vietnam for their continued support for the men's and women's football teams.

He suggested the Central Emulation and Rewards Council, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, and relevant ministries propose appropriate rewards for the players and coaches of the two football teams, as well as excellent athletes and teams in other sports.

The 31st SEA Games, which boast 526 categories in 40 sports, are currently taking place in Hanoi and 11 neighboring provinces and cities, and will conclude on Monday night with a closing ceremony in the Vietnamese capital.

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