The 2017 South East Asian Games’ initial list of sporting events might put Philippines at a disadvantage.
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According to reports, the SEA Games Federation council approved the removal of sports and events like the triathlon, women’s boxing, women’s billiards and several track and field events like the 3,000-meter steeplechase in the upcoming 29th SEA games – sports Philippines is known to be strong at.
The initial list released by the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games organizing committee included 34 sports and 342 events to be held from Aug 19-31 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, reports says.
Included in the list are: aquatics, athletics, archery, badminton, basketball, billiards and snooker, boxing, cricket, cycling, among others.
While fencing, judo, canoeing, marathon, decathlon, and 3,000- and 10,000-meter events failed to make the list.
Philippines, however, isn’t the only one complaining: Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar and Laos were also among those reported to contest Malaysia’s list of sports.
If it gets finalized without any changes, Filipino athletes Josie Gabuco (boxing), Chezka Centeno (billiards), and Nikko Huelgas and Ma. Claire Adorna (triathlon) will be affected.
Reports also say that National Olympic committees will have until the end of March to make their appeal.
Should Philippines contest against the list? or would it be a good opportunity to train our athletes in other sports?
