SEA GAMES – Badminton dropped?

The latest list of sports to be featured in the upcoming SEA Games in Myanmar, to be held in December 2013,does not feature badminton, in spite of its long tradition in the program.  This is a clear loss for Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, who have done well in the past and scooped many medals in the badminton events. On the other hand, the competition includes sports that are lesser known, including martial arts event which are known to the host country only.

Charoen Wattanasin, the vice president of the Thai National Olympic Committee, said in an interview published by the New York Times that the SEA Game regulations allowed for 8 traditional sports but that Myanmar had put 14 on the roster. “Nine out of the 14 are martial arts,” he said, struggling to describe them. “They are — well, I can’t even remember their names.

“If they continue to push through this proposal, it’s worthless to hold the games,” added Mr. Charoen, who is also the President of the Thai badminton Association.

Further discussions with the 11 countries that are participating are being held this Monday and Tuesday, but which sport remains in the program will be Myanmar’s call.