Spectators watch the carefully rehearsed parades and performances that featured in the opening ceremony of the National Games on Saturday.

National Games kick off with grand fanfare

Medal hopefuls from across the country gathered at the National Stadium in Vientiane on Saturday in excited anticipation of demonstrating their prowess at the National Games.

President Thongloun Sisoulith declares the 12th National Games open.

The grand opening ceremony was led by President Thongloun Sisoulith and attended by government leaders, former leaders and other officials, alongside athletes, trainers, and a crowd of enthusiastic spectators. 
On behalf of the Party and State leadership, President Thongloun praised the hard work done by Vientiane authorites and the Games’ organising committee to prepare for the country’s most prestigious sporting event, and commended provincial authorities for training up local contestants.
“On this auspicious occasion, I declare the 12th National Games open!”, he said.
The Mayor of Vientiane, Dr Athsaphangthong Siphandone, said “The Games are a great opportunity to get people exercising, build friendships and national unity, and develop talent across a range of disciplines.”
The Games are held every three years and involve contestants from every province, with the last edition taking place in Xiengkhouang province in 2022.
This year’s event runs from November 15-25 with 1,563 medals up for grabs, comprising 432 gold medals, 432 silver medals, and 699 bronze medals.
The Games comprise 33 sports, namely football and futsal, shooting, crossbow, archery, chess, pencak silat, petanque, judo, wrestling, boxing, swimming, badminton, snooker, rugby, wushu, cycling, top spinning, table tennis, taekwondo, sport dance, tug of war, e-sport, boat racing, muay Lao, maklae, karate-do, weightlifting, golf, bodybuilding, volleyball and beach volleyball, tennis and soft tennis, basketball, sepak takraw and chinlone, and track and field events.
Baseball will feature as a demonstration event.
Olympics sports comprise judo, boxing, football, basketball, shooting, athletics (track and field), archery, swimming, cycling, rugby, tennis, table tennis, taekwondo, karate-do, weightlifting, golf, badminton, wrestling and volleyball.
Some 9,485 people are involved in the Games, including 4,065 competitors, delegation leaders, coaches, referees, technical experts, and officials.
The competitors represent three ministries, 17 provinces, and Vientiane.
Dr Athsaphangthong said the organisers had improved infrastructure, sports venues and other facilities; readied accommodation for competitiors from around the country; made sure there were adequate water and electricity supplies; and oversaw cleaning, decoration, and environmental aspects of the Games.
He confirming the city’s readiness in all respects, especially in relation to sports venues, accommodation, transport, public health, and security.
A female peacock was chosen as the Games’ mascot and has associations with the former Lane Xang Kingdom, when it was used in rituals to welcome high-ranking guests. 

The Vientiane Mayor, Dr Athsaphangthong Siphandone, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the National Games on Saturday.	As the 12th National Games are held during November 15-25, the Ministry of Health has rolled out a major safety operation, deploying more than 290 medical personnel to safeguard athletes and ensure the event meets the highest public health standards.
Army personnel add to the drama by parachuting into the National Stadium.	Members of the Lao media plan news coverage and photography for the opening ceremony of the 12th National Games, being held from November 15 to 25 in Vientiane. The event will bring together the country’s top athletes, showcasing both sporting excellence and national unity.

The peacock is seen as a symbol of prosperity and victory, representing sportsmanship, excellence, unity, hope, and pride in a fine culture.
The Games’ logo features the That Luang stupa and the Nam Ngum river, which are both iconic symbols of Laos.
This year’s National Games are taking place at a time when Laos is marking three important anniversaries, namely the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the 50th anniversary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and the 105th anniversary of the birth of the President Kaysone Phomvihane.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update November 16, 2025)