PETALING JAYA: SEA Games-bound Malaysian athletes are prepared to compete anywhere but hope the organisers will minimise any disruptions caused by the latest venue change from Songkhla to Bangkok.
Thai sports officials have confirmed that all 10 sports originally scheduled to be held in Songkhla for the 33rd SEA Games from Dec 8-20 will now be relocated to Bangkok due to severe flooding in the southern province.
Men’s football group matches, along with competitions in judo, kabaddi, chess, pencak silat, karate, wrestling, wushu, petanque and muay thai, were initially slated for Songkhla – one of three host cities alongside Bangkok and Chon Buri – for the biennial event next month.
Preparations in Songkhla, however, have been thrown into disarray by some of worst flooding in decades, which continues to paralyse much of the province.
Several participating countries have raised concerns, which ranged from the condition of venues after the floodwaters recede, to whether facilities could be made ready in time for international competition.
Wushu Federation of Malaysia president Datuk Chong Kim Fatt said they were ready to compete in Bangkok but hoped the organisers will help facilitate the process.
"The SEA Games is just two weeks away and I think for wushu, we have no problem starting as long as the competition mat is set up in place," said Kim Fatt, who is also the OCM vice president.
"OCM have not been officially notified of the change of venue.
"The hosts need to look at alternative venues for all the affected sports and look into new flight arrangements fast.
"It's an act of God, and I believe this is the time for Asean member countries to unite under this circumstances."
National karate exponent Prem Kumar, a gold medallist at the 2019 and 2023 SEA Games, remained unfazed by the unfolding situation.
"As athletes, these matters are beyond our control. What we can do is prepare ourselves for competition day and leave the organisational issues to the management," said Prem.
OCM general manager Fong Wan Hor said they would move forward once an official confirmation is received.
"The SEA Games Federation office and Thailand Olympic Committee will issue an official statement regarding the flooding and the relocation of competition venues from Songkhla to Bangkok, and this will be shared with the media in due course.”
