Some sports at SEA Games 33 will not have bronze medals?

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The Thai Olympic Committee and the 33rd SEA Games Organizing Committee are meeting to discuss preparations for the most notable sporting event of the year in Southeast Asia. A major issue discussed here is the risk of some sports not having enough 4 participating countries.

This happened when Cambodia did not send many athletes to compete. Initially, they planned to send 1,000 athletes to the 33rd SEA Games but the number was later reduced to 57. Most recently, Mr. Chaiyaphak, CEO of SEA Games, confirmed the latest change from Cambodia.

“Cambodia has announced to send about 600 athletes and 800 officials to the 33rd SEA Games. If there are no incidents between now and the opening day, this will be a positive result for all parties,” he said.

The 33rd SEA Games Organizing Committee is meeting to discuss related issues.

However, the official still left open the possibility that Cambodia would change again. And once the worst-case scenario happens, there will be 7 sports that do not have 4 competing countries (IOC regulations clearly state that gold, silver, and bronze medals are only awarded if a sport has at least 4 participating teams).

But Thailand already has a plan for this situation. Mr. Chaiyaphak affirmed that at that time, they will still organize the competition with 3 teams of athletes but will not award bronze medals.

“Any sport or event that only has three participating countries will be allowed to be held, but only two types of medals will be awarded: gold and silver. There will be no bronze medals. All sports delegations that are preparing to participate in that sport will not be affected, regardless of whether Cambodia participates or not,” Mr. Chaiyaphak affirmed.