In a dramatic turn just days before the 33rd SEA Games kicks off, Cambodia has stunned the region by pulling out of eight sports, including major team events such as football and sepak takraw, sending shockwaves through Thailand’s final-phase preparations as host nation.
The urgent withdrawal was officially communicated in a letter from the Cambodian Olympic Committee to SEA Games Federation President Chaipak Siriwat, citing athlete and staff safety concerns as the primary reason.
Cambodia initially registered participation in 21 sports but will now only compete in 13, namely Swimming, Athletics, Esports, Fencing, Gymnastics, Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, Taekwondo, Equestrian, Jet Ski, Triathlon, Teqball, Volleyball.
Withdrawn sports include judo, karate, pencak silat, pétanque, wrestling, wushu — and most significantly, football and sepak takraw, both considered core events in the SEA Games ecosystem.
The most high-profile impact lands on football, where both Cambodian teams were drawn in the same group as Thailand in Men’s and Women’s category
With Cambodia now officially out, tournament organizers may be forced into a last-minute redraw, raising logistical headaches for the host nation.
Thailand’s Chef de Mission Thana Chaiprasit admitted the move came with zero warning.
Just days earlier, reports indicated that nearly 300 Cambodian athletes had received a send-off from their Sports Minister. But with all withdrawals coming from team-based sports, the delegation will now likely shrink to under 100 athletes.
While the reduced numbers may simplify security measures, the sudden change disrupts competition schedules and undermines the tournament framework that Thailand had meticulously prepared.
This late-stage withdrawal arrives at the worst possible moment for Thailand, with opening ceremonies only days away. Beyond scheduling chaos, the move threatens to dent the overall competitiveness and atmosphere of the regional sporting festival.
Credit Photo : FFC
