The threat of COVID-19 not just in Vietnam, but in four countries as well, has compelled the Southeast Asian Games Federation Council to postpone the 31st edition of the SEA Games originally scheduled late this year.
The decision of the council was unanimous, with many cases also being reported in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.
“Wala muna tayong SEA Games this year due to COVID-19. Medyo tumaas, nag-spike sa Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino in a virtual conference with scribes.
Tolentino said Vietnam organizers have asked for 10 days for a decision when to re-schedule the games.
Organizers felt that they still need to consult with the Vietnamese government if they will hold the biennial meet in the latter part of the first half of 2022, or have it done in 2023.
The Hanoi SEA Games were initially scheduled from November 21 to December 2.
So far, Ho Chi Minh City, which will be among the 12 venues of the games, has been ordered into lockdown.
Among the events that will be directly affected are canoeing and rowing, which will be held in Haiphong. Bac Ninh, which will host boxing, kickboxing, handball and tennis, is also reporting an outbreak, along with Bac Giang, which will provide a venue for badminton.
There are also reports of cases in Quang Ninh, which will have events held in women’s football, volleyball, chess, beach volleyball, beach handball, beach soccer, triathlon and xiangqi.
“Hindi maka-decide ang organizers at ang government. So tinulungan na lang naming mag-decide,” added Tolentino.
The POC chief added that Vietnam may opt to hold the games by 2023 if plans to have it held in 2022 will still not push through.
The cancellation of the games became imminent last month when organizers reported a rise in cases since early May, when the country began experiencing a fourth wave.