Seagames hosting Asean

Thailand or Indonesia to Snatch Philippines SEA Games Hosting

Thailand or Indonesia could step forward to host the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019 following the Philippine government’s decision to give up the event.

The Philippines, which only passed in as hosts when Brunei switched in 2015, had been registered to host the competition in 2019 as it had in 2005.

But the government has opted against leading the Games due to the ongoing battle in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur. The budget for hosting the event will be redistributed to rehabilitate and reconstruct Marawi.

Philippine Olympic Committee secretary general Steve Hontiveros said these countries had shown concern after the Philippine government chose to give it up due to the raging conflict in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur.

Hontiveros said there’s still an opportunity given that President Duterte will allow it.  “The next best move for the POC is to convene the general assembly and make a formal appeal to the President”, she added.

Hontiveros also said  Thailand and Indonesia should forward their respective efforts to the SEA Games Federation before the closing ceremony of the 29th edition of the biennial meet in Kuala Lumpur on Aug. 30.