MANILA, Philippines — Organizers of the anticipated 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam announced that it will be slated on May 12-23, 2022. The reason behind the reschedule was due to the pandemic; it was originally scheduled for November of this year.
The games will open three days after the Philippines’ national elections. Philippine Olympic Committee President Representative Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said that the majority of Team Philippines might be unable to cast their votes.
Tolentino explained, “This is because our athletes need to acclimatize and get the feel of the competition venues, environment, and weather.”
Weather in Hanoi gets hot in May; it is expected to reach 34 degree Celsius. During the first time Hanoi hosted the SEA Games in December 2003, the temperature dropped to 11 degree Celsius. Vietnam allotted $69 million for the games. They are looking forward to 7,000 athletes and a total of 20,000 participants.
Tolentino is positive that Filipino athletes will be in prime condition come the games. “With the dates set, our athletes, through their national sports associations, could now specifically program their training and peak at the right time in May.”