Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – On Saturday, thousands of athletes, coaches, referees, and tens of thousands of spectators gathered at the main stadium to witness the grand opening of the 12th National Games, Laos' largest multi-sport event. The motto of this year's Games is "Unity, Discipline, Transparency, and Development."
The opening ceremony began with an aerial parachute performance by the 306th Battalion of the Lao Air Force, followed by a spectacular song and dance performance by renowned Lao artists. Athletes and officials from 21 provincial and ministerial-level teams marched spiritedly into the stadium, creating a solemn and grand atmosphere.
The torch relay, a signature element of the Games, culminated in the successful lighting of the main cauldron, officially announcing the opening of the 12th National Games. A dazzling fireworks display illuminated the night sky, bringing the opening ceremony to a perfect close and eliciting cheers from the audience.
Vientiane Mayor and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 12th Lao National Games, Asaphanthone Siphandone, introduced that the Games will run until November 25th, featuring 33 sports. A total of 9,485 participants, including 4,065 registered athletes, will compete for 1,563 medals: 432 gold, 432 silver, and 699 bronze.
The mascot for this year's National Games is the peacock, symbolizing agility and progress.
The Lao National Games are held every three years, rotating among the provinces, aiming to promote national unity, improve public health, and enhance the overall level of sports development in Laos. The previous Games, the 11th, were held in Xieng Khouang Province in 2022.
This year, Vientiane is fortunate to host the Games, which fully demonstrates the Lao government's firm commitment to promoting the decentralization of development resources and enabling broader public participation in sports.
