Beyond the standard Olympic and Asian Games disciplines, SEA Games 33 in Thailand is turning heads with an eclectic mix of unique and unconventional sports.

This year’s Games feature a total of 50 sports and 569 medal events. Alongside traditional powerhouses like football, volleyball, athletics, fencing, and shooting, the host country has introduced a series of sports never seen before in SEA Games history.

Tug of war

Although tug of war was once part of the Olympic Games in 1916–1917, SEA Games 33 marks its first inclusion in the regional competition. This sport blends cultural heritage with contemporary appeal, emphasizing unity and collective strength.

Vietnam's tug of war team is heading to the games with a 26-member squad led by head coach Doan Cong Thuan. Vietnam’s top past performances include Southeast Asian silver medals (2009, 2017) and Asian bronze medals (2008, 2017).

Ultimate (Frisbee)

This globally popular team sport, known for its Spirit of the Game and emphasis on fairness without official referees, debuts at the SEA Games. Though it features 12 medal events, ultimate is not included in the official medal tally.

Kabaddi

Originating from traditional South Asian games, kabaddi makes its SEA Games debut this year. SEA Games 33 includes three competitive formats: 7-player, 5-player, and 3-player teams, for both men and women.

Woodball

Another first-time addition, woodball involves hitting a wooden ball through gates on grass or sand using a wooden mallet. While seemingly gentle, the sport demands great precision and strategic calculation.

Aerial sports (Paragliding and Paramotor)

Both paragliding and powered paragliding are included in SEA Games 33 as exhibition events. While they offer no official medals, the sports add a spectacular visual element to the Games.

MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)

A fast-rising global sport, MMA features six events at SEA Games 33: modern MMA for women (54kg, 60kg), men (60kg, 65kg), and traditional MMA for women (54kg) and men (56kg). Vietnam's MMA delegation includes fighters Pham Van Nam, Tran Ngoc Luong, Quang Van Minh, Nguyen Vu Quynh Hoa, Duong Thi Thanh Binh, and Le Ngoc Thu.

Makruk (Thai chess)

A traditional Thai board game similar to the Vietnamese version known as “co Oc,” makruk challenges players with its strategic depth. At SEA Games 32, despite being new to the game, Vietnamese players won two gold medals.

Kiteboarding

This adrenaline-filled sport, a hybrid of surfing and paragliding, makes its first appearance at the SEA Games, appealing to thrill-seekers and beach sports fans alike.

Laser run obstacle course

Athletes must overcome a tough sequence of challenges that include running, climbing, obstacle navigation, and laser shooting in a physically intense and dynamic event.

Teqball

Played on a curved table, teqball demands refined ball control and reflexes. The sport turns every match into a dazzling exchange of volleys and acrobatics.

Baseball5 and Hockey5s

These high-speed adaptations of baseball and field hockey reduce team sizes to five players and simplify rules, creating fast-paced, action-packed games on smaller courts.

Audition (Esports)