CEBU CITY, Philippines—After being moved several times, the 31st Southeast Asian Games has been agreed to take place in May next year still in in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino confirmed that the biennial sporting spectacle will be held in the said time on Monday, October 18, 2021, following the virtual meeting between the 11 member countries from the SEA Games Federation.
Among the 11 member countries, Cambodia had to be convinced since they are the hosts of the 2023 or the 32nd edition of the SEA Games.
“Cambodia will host the 32nd edition in 2023 and they want to have at least a year’s window for them to prepare,” Tolentino said in a press statement.
“Initially, they wanted the opening ceremony to be on May 5 or earlier.”
The 31st SEA Games was initially scheduled from November 21 to December 2 this year, but Vietnam’s government grappled a sudden uptrend of COVID-19.
The Philippines, the defending champions of the biennial meet, is expected to send a 626 athlete in 40 sports events.
Now that the 31st SEA Games found a suitable venue next year, Filipino athletes and coaches have a clearer path with regards to their respective training camps.
/bmjo