The Philippines raises bar with record 56 sports

MANILA, Philippines — A record 56 sports will set a new trend and practically raise the bar when the country hosts the 30th Southeast Asian Games from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 this year.

Never in the history of the SEA Games, which was first held in 1959 in Bangkok, have there been as many sports disciplines.

“We are trying to set a template for future SEA Games. We are putting everything into action,” said POC president Ricky Vargas.

Vargas will celebrate his first year at the helm of Philippine sports on Feb. 23. Already, he has his hands full. 

It will be the fourth time the Philippines will play host to the biennial event which now has 11 member countries.

The first hosting came in 1981 with only 18 sports followed in 1991 with 28 sports and in 2005 with 40. 

By the number of sports contested, Thailand had staged the biggest SEA Games so far with 44 in 2011 (with 545 events).

With more disciplines in 2005, the Philippines also increased its chances of winning. It won the overall title for the first time.

Vargas wants to apply the same formula.

“There are reasons for the 56 sports. Number one, we want to perform better. So, we chose 56 sports where we can deliver the gold,” Vargas said.

“And we want this SEA Games to be inclusive for the whole community, where all nations are properly represented unlike the others that were exclusive,” he added.

The POC is also seeking a good representation of regional sports and new sports for the millennials such as surfing, skateboarding or obstacle sports.

“In the SEA Games, people always look at the number of events but not its meaning. I hope that the next SEA Games will follow this program,” he said.

“There is a reason why we decided on 56 sports. We will fare well,” Vargas assured.

In 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, the Philippines finished a dismal sixth place overall, and the new leadership at the POC wants to put that behind.

Vargas said the main goal is to land in the Top 3 and host well.

“It is equally important. If we can excel in both (medal standings and as host) then what a wonderful SEA Games this will be,” he said.

The POC president is not ruling out another overall championship for the Filipino athletes.