SEA Games 31 likely to be postponed until 2022

ABO/NDO – Countries in the region have suggested that the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) be organised in April or May 2022 if the host country, Vietnam, decides to postpone the event until next year.

SEA Games 31 is scheduled to be held in Vietnam this November with more than 520 competition events in 40 sports. However, the complexity of the COVID-19 pandemic is making it unlikely for the largest regional multi-sport event to go ahead as planned.

The Vietnamese players celebrate their maiden gold medal in the SEA Games men's football in the Philippines in 2019.

During a virtual meeting of the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) on June 24, delegates stated that COVID-19 has seriously affected countries in the region, including in Vietnam, posing difficulties to the SEA Games 31 organisation plans.

If the event is forced to be postponed until next year, SEAGF members recommended that it should take place around April or May.

There are several big sports events in 2022, such as the Winter Olympic Games (China, February), the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (Thailand, March), the Commonwealth Games (England, July), and the Asian Games (China, September). As such, April or May will be the most suitable time for the organisation of SEA Games 31. In addition, this scenario will give Cambodia enough time to prepare for its hosting of SEA Games 32 in Phnom Penh from May 5 to 17, 2023.

The countries in the region hope that Vietnam will soon decide on the organising plan for SEA Games 31. If the event is moved to 2022, they will pause the gathering of national teams.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Director of the General Department of Sports and Physical Training Tran Duc Phan, who serves as deputy head of the SEA Games 31 Organising Committee, said that the committee has offered advice to the Government on selecting the best and most suitable plan regarding the organisation of the Games. Countries will be informed on the official decision as soon as it is made.

The official plan on SEA Games 31 is set to be announced during the SEAGF’s next meeting on July 8.

(Source: NDO)