16th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Sports highlights regional unity and cooperation

Monday, 16:20, 13/10/2025

VOV.VN - The 16th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Sports (SOMS-16) opened on October 13 in Hanoi, gathering 200 delegates, including ministers, deputy ministers, and heads of sports agencies from ASEAN member states and Timor Leste to discuss the role of sports in sustainable development, community health, and regional cooperation.

The SOM-16 marked the opening of activities under the 8th ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Sports (AMMS 8) and related events.

In his opening speech, Nguyen Danh Hoang Viet, Director of the Vietnam Department of Sports under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said that this year's theme, "Navigating Sports - Contributing to Sustainable Development" "Sport for Sustainable Development", reflects ASEAN's shared vision of positioning sports as a driver for health, unity, and social development.

Over the past years, ASEAN sports have achieved notable successes, such as the successful organization of SEA Games, the growing popularity of community sports, and regional athletes establishing their presence on continental and global stages. However, to achieve sustainable development, ASEAN sports must confront challenges such as social changes, international integration pressures, and the need to balance sporting achievements with overall development"

In this spirit, ASEAN member states will continue to cooperate on key objectives, including promoting sports for health and community welfare; enhancing quality of life by encouraging regular physical activity; and developing high-performance sports through science and technology to boost athletes' competitiveness. At the same time, ASEAN will continue to preserve and enhance traditional sports, contributing to a unique regional identity amid global integration.

"Sport is not just about medals or results; it reflects people, culture, and solidarity. With the spirit of a united and dynamic ASEAN, I believe that the resolve of member states will help build a creative and sustainable ASEAN sports community, contributing to the region's prosperity," Viet emphasized.

Immediately after the opening, the meeting adopted its agenda, covering key items such as the final evaluation of the ASEAN Sports Action Plan 2021-2025; discussions on the ASEAN-FIFA Memorandum of Understanding; and updates on the ASEAN High-Performance Training Center in Malaysia-a pivotal project aimed at enhancing coaching capacity and sports development in the region.

SOMS-16 marked ASEAN Sports Day and reviewed preparations for the 33rd SEA Games and the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Thailand, both regarded as a reflection of Southeast Asia's sporting spirit and organizational capacity.

Vietnam to host ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports in mid-October

VOV.VN - Vietnam is set to host the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS 8) from October 15 to 17 and the 16th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Sports (SOMS 16) from October 13 to 15.

15th ASEAN Senior Official Meeting on Sports opens in Vinh Phuc

The 15th ASEAN Senior Official Meeting on Sports (SOMS-15) opened in the northern province of Vinh Phuc on October 14, drawing the participation of 70 delegates from ten ASEAN member states, Timor Leste, Japan, China, ASEAN Secretariat and partners.

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