How will Cambodia's withdrawal from the 33rd SEA Games affect the Games?

TPO - The Cambodian sports delegation's withdrawal from the 33rd SEA Games right after the opening ceremony was a surprising decision for many fans. But host country Thailand had anticipated the situation. There won't be too many disruptions at this year's Games…

This morning, the Cambodian sports delegation officially submitted their withdrawal request to the SEA Games 33 Organizing Committee. Cambodia stated that although they were very impressed by the warm welcome and hospitality of host country Thailand, concerns about the safety of the delegation members were the main reason for their withdrawal.

Regarding this issue, Mr. Atthakorn Sirilatthayakon, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, stated that he "respects Cambodia's decision." He added that Thailand, as the host country, had provided the best possible conditions for the delegations to come to Thailand, but the withdrawal was the right of each country.

Cambodia's decision is seen as easing the logistical burden on the organizing committee, at least by reducing the need for security personnel to be on high alert 24/7 to deal with potential threats. Prior to the opening ceremony, Thailand had decided to double or triple the number of security personnel accompanying Cambodian athletes and officials after noticing escalating tensions along the border.

However, from a professional organizational standpoint, Thailand will have to deal with the consequences of Cambodia's absence. Cambodia participated in 12 sports at the 33rd SEA Games, and these 12 sports will lose a competitive contender. These sports are swimming, athletics, esports, fencing, gymnastics, jujitsu, kickboxing, taekwondo, equestrianism, jet skiing, triathlon, and teqball.

In fact, the host country had anticipated this scenario. In recent statements, SEA Games 33 officials have confirmed that after Cambodia's first withdrawal (9 events), they had considered the option of the Cambodian team not participating in any events at the Games.

Combat sports will be most affected. In the brackets containing Cambodian representatives, the opponent will be awarded the win. The bracket results will remain unchanged, without any disruption. For example, in the women's team Taekwondo match this morning, Thailand was awarded the win after Cambodia withdrew.

The biggest headache is that only 3 teams remain in the 7 events after Cambodia withdrew. According to Olympic Committee regulations, gold, silver, and bronze medals are only awarded if a competition has at least 4 participating teams. Now that only 3 teams remain, it is highly likely that the organizing committee will only award gold and silver medals. The team ranked 3rd (last) will not receive a medal.

Overall, Cambodia's withdrawal was not what SEA Games 33 wanted, but it can be said that Thailand did not face too many organizational problems after its neighbor's decision.

Watch SEA Games 33, side by side with the Vietnamese Sports Delegation, most fully onFPT Play, at: http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://tienphong.vn/campuchia-rut-khoi-sea-games-33-se-anh-huong-the-nao-toi-dai-hoi-post1803394.tpo