Security remains a concern for Myanmar, who will be hosting the 27th Southeast Asian Games for the first time in 44 years in their new capital Nay Pyi Taw from December 11 to 22. The country, earlier known as Burma, had hosted the Games in 1961 and 1969.
The country's preparations have hit a snag when a series of bomb blasts went off around the country in October.
The threat of sectarian violence has become an overriding concern for all participating nations, especially to Muslim-majority Malaysia and Indonesia.
Nonetheless, Myanmar's Deputy Minister for Sport Zaw Win has assured the countries that security plans are in place and the Myanmar police force will work together with international counterparts to ensure tight security during the Games.
The interview partly helped relieve tensions and worries.
The safety of spectators and all visiting guests on and off the venues during the competition days is something the organisers cannot ignore.
The hosts have to ensure that all participants do not have to go through the ordeal of bomb alerts while they are in that country.
Security doesn't mean just setting up of a few security checks, but the officials and athletes should be made aware of the unexpected political unrest in that country.
Also, the exclusion of some Olympic disciplines, meant that countries had to reduce the number of athletes for the Games.
The Philippines, for example, decided to send only 208 athletes because of the host country's decision to introduce Chinlone, neither an Olympic nor a SEA Games sport, and Vovinam and at the same time exclude Olympic sports such as tennis and gymnastics.
The Games will see competition in only 33 sports as the organisers thought that the uniforms for beach volleyball and dance sports are unsuitable for Myanmar women.
A total of 1,557 medals, including 460 gold, will be at stake in the Games.
Myanmar also faced criticisms that the country has ignored the economic needs of the people, who are struggling to sustain themselves and not have the luxury to witness the sporting event.
Although the Myanmar government still needs time to bring about awareness among its people, it remains optimistic that the international event will allow it to showcase its sporting talent and win back its regional reputation.
Despite the pros and cons, it's time Myanmar opened the country and displayed its athletic ability to the region and the world alike. Keep your fingers crossed and hope that Myanmar will make the 27th SEA Games a memorable one.
The country's preparations have hit a snag when a series of bomb blasts went off around the country in October.
The threat of sectarian violence has become an overriding concern for all participating nations, especially to Muslim-majority Malaysia and Indonesia.
Nonetheless, Myanmar's Deputy Minister for Sport Zaw Win has assured the countries that security plans are in place and the Myanmar police force will work together with international counterparts to ensure tight security during the Games.
The interview partly helped relieve tensions and worries.
The safety of spectators and all visiting guests on and off the venues during the competition days is something the organisers cannot ignore.
The hosts have to ensure that all participants do not have to go through the ordeal of bomb alerts while they are in that country.
Security doesn't mean just setting up of a few security checks, but the officials and athletes should be made aware of the unexpected political unrest in that country.
Also, the exclusion of some Olympic disciplines, meant that countries had to reduce the number of athletes for the Games.
The Philippines, for example, decided to send only 208 athletes because of the host country's decision to introduce Chinlone, neither an Olympic nor a SEA Games sport, and Vovinam and at the same time exclude Olympic sports such as tennis and gymnastics.
The Games will see competition in only 33 sports as the organisers thought that the uniforms for beach volleyball and dance sports are unsuitable for Myanmar women.
A total of 1,557 medals, including 460 gold, will be at stake in the Games.
Myanmar also faced criticisms that the country has ignored the economic needs of the people, who are struggling to sustain themselves and not have the luxury to witness the sporting event.
Although the Myanmar government still needs time to bring about awareness among its people, it remains optimistic that the international event will allow it to showcase its sporting talent and win back its regional reputation.
Despite the pros and cons, it's time Myanmar opened the country and displayed its athletic ability to the region and the world alike. Keep your fingers crossed and hope that Myanmar will make the 27th SEA Games a memorable one.
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