Gold Medal Race Heats Up, Indonesia and Vietnam Vie for Top Spot in Final Two Days of SEA Games 2025

Two days before the closing of SEA Games 2025 Thailand, the competition map for Gold Medal acquisition enters a crucial phase. Indonesia is increasingly solidifying its pursuit of the runner-up position, but Vietnam continues to loom close, making the competition heat up towards the end of this Southeast Asian sporting event.

The Indonesian contingent recorded a significant surge on Thursday, 18 December 2025, adding eight golds, eight silvers, and eight bronzes. 

This result brought the Red and White to a collection of 80 golds, 93 silvers, and 103 bronzes, or a total of 276 medals overall. This number brings them closer to securing second place in the provisional Standings.

Indonesia's gold contributions came from various sports. Kabaddi opened the tap, followed by archery through the women's team compound and women's individual compound events, won by Nurisa Dian Ashrifah. 

Modern pentathlon contributed gold from the women's triathlon event (laser, shooting, running). On the water, the dragon boat team secured two golds in the men's small boat 200m and the mixed standard boat 200m events. 

Meanwhile, triathlon completed the harvest with two golds from the women's three-person duathlon relay and the mixed 2+2 duathlon relay.

However, Indonesia's lead is not yet completely safe. Vietnam, the closest competitor, is hot on their heels in third place with 73 golds, 72 silvers, and 99 bronzes, or a total of 244 medals. 

With two days of competition still remaining, the slim gold margin opens the possibility for a change in position if one team slips up or conversely, explodes in the decisive sports.

Behind them, the competition in the middle of the table is also interesting. Singapore sits in fourth place with 48 golds (total 168 medals), while Malaysia closes the top five with 46 golds (total 204 medals). 

Nevertheless, the main spotlight remains fixed on the Indonesia-Vietnam duel, which has the potential to determine the final podium composition.

Meanwhile, the host Thailand remains untouchable at the top. With 197 golds, 130 silvers, and 93 bronzes (420 medals), the Land of the White Elephant has pulled further away and is almost certain to lock in the overall champion title.

With two days left, every final is highly valuable. Indonesia must maintain consistency and maximize opportunities, while Vietnam is ready to exploit any opening, however small. At the SEA Games 2025, the hunt for gold is not over.

Provisional Standings for SEA Games Medal Tally 2025 Thailand
(As of Friday, 19 December 2025 at 00:30 WIB)

1. Thailand - 197 golds, 130 silvers, 93 bronzes (420)
2. Indonesia - 80 golds, 93 silvers, 103 bronzes (276)
3. Vietnam - 73 golds, 72 silvers, 99 bronzes (244)
4. Singapore - 48 golds, 51 silvers, 69 bronzes (168)
5. Malaysia - 46 golds, 49 silvers, 109 bronzes (204)
6. Philippines - 41 golds, 59 silvers, 126 bronzes (226)
7. Myanmar - 3 golds, 20 silvers, 38 bronzes (61)
8. Laos - 2 golds, 9 silvers, 22 bronzes (33)
9. Brunei - 1 gold, 3 silvers, 4 bronzes (8)
10. Timor Leste - 0 golds, 0 silvers, 3 bronzes (3)