OFFICIAL: Thailand postponed all 10 events of SEA Games 33 due to floods, U22 Vietnam had to 'move house' again

In an extraordinary meeting of the 33rd SEA Games organizing committee held this morning, the host officials agreed to change all 10 competition venues in Songkhla province. Mr. Chalitrat Chantrubeksa, Deputy Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, confirmed that the hosting rights for Boxing, Pencak Silat, Men's Football, Chess, Judo, Kabaddi, Karate, Wrestling, Petanque and Wushu will be given to Bangkok.

The main reason for this change is the concern of many countries. Siamsport quoted Mr. Chalitrat Chantrubeksa: “The concern is not only whether the water will recede in time, but also the condition of the competition venue after the flood recedes, whether the repairs can be done according to international standards?

Songkla province, one of the three venues hosting the 33rd SEA Games, is being attacked by floods.

In addition, there is the risk of disease outbreaks that may arise following the floods, and the potential impact on athletes and staff. Therefore, the decision to postpone all sports has been taken to ensure the highest level of confidence from all parties.”

The Thai Olympic Committee has also assigned the urgent task of finding alternative venues for sports federations. For example, the governing body of Wushu will have to find a new stadium to host this sport. The same goes for Judo, Kabaddi, Karate, Wrestling, Petanque, etc.

The latest change by the host has forced U22 Vietnam to change their plans once again. Initially, according to the arrangement, Group B will compete in Chiang Mai, a city in Northern Thailand. Then this group will be moved to Songkhla but due to the flood, the 3 teams U22 Laos, U22 Vietnam and U22 Malaysia will gather in Bangkok.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/chinh-thuc-thai-lan-doi-ca-10-mon-thi-dau-cua-sea-games-33-vi-lu-u22-viet-nam-lai-phai-chuyen-nha-post1799655.tpo