Haven't found a host country for SEA Games 2019?

(Baonghean.vn) - Recently, Philippine President William Ramirez told the press: "We regret to announce that the Philippines will not host the 2019 SEA Games as planned." The reason given by the Philippines in its decision to withdraw from hosting the 2019 SEA Games is because of "the current situation in Mindanao Island and the problems of terrorism and crime."

The Philippines last hosted the SEA Games in 2005, 12 years ago, winning 113 gold medals. It was thought that the Philippines would host the 2019 SEA Games, but suddenly, the Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, William Ramirez, announced his decision to withdraw due to terrorism and crime issues.

The last time the Philippines hosted the SEA Games was 12 years ago, in 2005.

In addition, the Philippine government wants to use the budget for organizing the 2019 SEA Games to rebuild the war-torn city of Marawi. It is likely that the Council of the Southeast Asian Olympic Committee will pass a resolution approving that the Philippines will not host the 2019 SEA Games.

The search for a host for this event is at a standstill as most other countries are not interested in taking on the responsibility. Singapore Sports Federation Secretary General Chris Chan said: “There is no reason for Singapore to host the 2019 SEA Games after having just hosted the 2015 SEA Games.

Meanwhile, Vietnam had planned to host the 2021 SEA Games, so it was difficult for it to take charge of the 2019 SEA Games two years earlier because the infrastructure preparations were not on schedule.

Currently, Thailand and Indonesia are the two countries most likely to take over the responsibility of the Philippines. If so, according to regulations, these two countries will have to submit their hosting documents before the 2017 SEA Games in Malaysia closes on August 30.

Notice of Philippines' withdrawal from hosting the 2019 SEA Games. Photo: Internet

However, up to now, neither Indonesia nor Thailand has made any move to show that they will apply to host the 2019 SEA Games.

For many years now, Thai sports have been focused on the continental and world arenas, so they are no longer interested in the SEA Games arena. Especially in the context of the SEA Games competition regulations constantly changing with each congress, the basic Olympic sports are not focused on, instead the host countries are aiming to bring in profitable sports to win medals.

If in the next few days no country accepts to host the 2019 SEA Games, the Southeast Asian Games Federation will need to bring this matter up for discussion in a meeting held before the opening ceremony of the 2017 SEA Games in Malaysia.

AT