32 sports okayed for Vietnam SEA Games

Thirty-two sport disciplines, minus bowling, golf and two events in track and field, were given the official rubber-stamp for inclusion in the 22nd Southeast Asian Games, which Vietnam will host late next year.

Vietnam’s capital city Hanoi will host the biennial meet for the first time with action also lined up in Ho Chi Minh City. A total of 435 gold medals will be disputed by close to 7,000 athletes from 10 countries.

In the final decision by the Vietnamese Minister of Sport and Physical Training last Tuesday, four events which were part of the 2001 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games calendar were taken out.

The track and field events not included in the original list were men’s and women’s marathon where the Philippines’ Roy Vence and Christabel Martes are both the defending champions.

Bowling and golf are two other events which have

delivered medals for the Philippines in past SEA Games. Their non-inclusion next year is a big blow for the Filipinos, who will host the Games in 2005.

The Philippine Olympic Committee under Celso Dayrit batted for their inclusion but failed to convince the Vietnamese organizers who cited the lack of facilities in bowling and golf, and the lack of manpower and capability to host the marathon.

"This is sad but we must all look forward and prepare for the other events available. In 2005, we would have the opportunity to include our favorite events," said Dayrit.