Up in the air: SEA Games champion Pham Phuoc Hung may not have chance to defend his title as gymnastics may not make the final schedule. — File Photo

HA NOI — The 27th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Myanmar next year is likely to have less events than in previous years.

The host revealed that a plan had been proposed to the Olympic Council of Asia outlining 28 sports, 12 less than the 26th Games in Indonesia last November.

According to U Khin Maung Lwin, joint general secretary of the Myanmar Olympic Committee, they had selected sports that played to their strengths and were in keeping with their culture.

Lwin said he would present a comprehensive plan to the participating countries at a meeting at the end of April in Indonesia.

As host of the Games, Myanmar has the right to propose the number of sports and include national favourites. However, it also has to ensure the inclusion of two basic events in track-and-field and aquatic sports.

Gymnastics, an event Myanmar is weak in but one in which Viet Nam won 11 gold medals last year, along with beach volleyball and dance sport will be among those axed.

 

What do you want to play? 27th SEA Games sports: track-and-field, aquatic sports, archery, badminton, basketball, billiards and snooker, boxing, canoeing and rowing, cycling, football, golf, hockey, judo, karate, sepak takraw, shooting, table tennis, taekwondo, indoor volleyball, weightlifting, wushu, tennis, chess, bodybuilding, petanque, traditional boat racing and yatching.

Lwin said beach volleyball and dance sport were cut because they were not in keeping with the customs of local women.

At the Indonesian Games, Myanmar finished seventh overall, with 16 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze medals. The top three places went to Indonesia, Thailand and Viet Nam. — VNS