The opening ceremony took place in favorable weather and at the weekend, thus luring a large number of people in the province. The organizers arranged about 3,000 seats for spectators.

At the beginning of the ceremony, leading the ceremonial bloc was the national flag, followed by the Games' flag and a portrait of President Ho Chi Minh – the founder of Vietnamese revolutionary sports and physical training, which were solemnly taken across the stage.
 

The strength of blocs of public security, army, war veterans, teenagers, children, intellectuals, women, farmers, youth, workers, athletes from localities, and referees was shown in majestic music.

At the same time, outstanding athletes of Hai Duong who were gold medalists at the 31st SEA Games performed the fire asking ceremony at the Martyrs Memorial of Hai Duong city.

The leader of the delegation, who was honored to hold the torch, was Nguyen Duc Tuan, the gold medalist in the men's singles category of the 31st SEA Games table tennis event.
 

The torch relay had gone through Chuong Duong, Ton Duc Thang, and Thanh Nien streets before ending at the square of the Xu Dong Cultural Center.

Receiving the torch from player Nguyen Duc Tuan, Mr. Pham Xuan Thang, Member of the Central Party Committee, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the provincial People's Council, lit the traditional cauldron of the Games.

In his opening speech, Mr. Nguyen Minh Hung, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, Head of the Games Organizing Board, stated that health is the most precious capital of every human being and an invaluable asset of each country and nation.
 

When still alive, President Ho Chi Minh taught: "Every weak citizen means the whole country is weak, every healthy citizen means the whole country is healthy. If the people are strong, the country will be prosperous, so I hope every fellow-citizen will try to exercise."

Realizing Uncle Ho's teachings, over the years, Hai Duong provincial authorities have had many guidelines and policies to promote and develop sport and physical training movements, bringing into play positive effects of sports and physical training in improving health, contributing to enriching the cultural and spiritual life, building a healthy lifestyle for the people, and repelling social evils.
 

The Hai Duong provincial Games, a quadrennial sport festival of authorities, sectors, social organizations, and all walks of life in the province, was held for the first time in 1984 – 1985.

After each Games, the province's mass sport movement grew strongly, attracting people from all strata with many exciting, practical, and useful activities.
 

A lot of athletes with excellent results have also been selected for high performance sports with numerous achievements in domestic and international arenas, making important contributions to the overall achievements of Vietnamese sports.

The 9th Hai Duong provincial Games is a political, cultural, and social event to popularize the image and socio-economic development of the province.
 

This is also an opportunity to select excellent athletes for the Hai Duong team to compete in the 9th National Games with the target and determination to remain as one of 10 provinces, cities, and sectors with the best sport movements and achievements in the country.

An imposing musical show combined with modern audio and lighting technology with the theme "Hai Duong – aspiration to rise" consisted of three parts: civilized, studious, and heroic Hai Duong; Hai Duong youth reach a new height; and Hai Duong integrates and develops.
 

The opening ceremony of the 9th Hai Duong provincial Games ended with striking fireworks like an affirmation: Hai Duong's sport and physical training cause will fly to new heights.

Before the opening ceremony, local authorities and public security and army sectors successfully organized their Games. 12 out of 18 sports of the 9th Hai Duong provincial Games were held.

TIEN HUY – THANH CHUNG – ANH DUY