Brunei pulls out of hosting 2027 SEA Games

[Indos]

Brunei pulls out of hosting 2027 SEA Games​

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MCYS minister confirms decision, but says upgrading of sports facilities will continue​

Rasidah Hj Abu Bakar


DECEMBER 15, 2021

Athletes and officials from Brunei march during the opening ceremony of the SEA Games at the Philippine Arena, north of Manila on November 30, 2019. Photo: Ted Aljibe/AFP

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Brunei has withdrawn from hosting the 34th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2027, the minister of culture, youth and sports announced on Tuesday.

The minister, however, did not disclose the reasons behind the decision.

Speaking during the daily COVID press briefing, YB Dato Hj Aminuddin Ihsan Hj Abidin said Brunei’s intention to host in 2027 was only tentative, pending confirmation by the government.

Clarifying a viral post on social media, YB Dato Hj Aminuddin said it was not an official announcement and that the post contained “false and baseless statements”.

Brunei was touted as a possible host country for the 2027 Games in July last year, but it officially withdrew from hosting during a meeting of the Southeast Asian Games Federation Council on December 7.

“After detailed assessment, Brunei decided to withdraw from the tentative agreement,” the minister said. “[A statement] was delivered by the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council during the meeting.”

Indonesia has since expressed its readiness to host the 2027 SEA Games.

The sultanate also gave up hosting rights for the 2019 Games citing financial and logistical reasons. The event was eventually hosted by the Philippines. Brunei last hosted the biennial games in 1999.

YB Dato Hj Aminuddin said the decision would not stop ongoing repair and renovation works at local sports facilities.

“Repairs, renovations and any upgrading works planned are not just happening because of the SEA Games. It’s also being carried out for the use of our community and athletes in the long run. So this will continue whether we host or not.”

Some of the sites being upgraded are the Menglait Complex and Indoor Stadium Hassanal Bolkiah, which is slated for completion by October 2022.

Brunei pulls out of hosting 2027 SEA Games - The Scoop

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Brunei has withdrawn from hosting the 34th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2027, the minister of culture, youth and sports announced on Tuesday. The minister, however, did not disclose the reasons behind the decision. Speaking during the daily COVID press briefing, YB Dato...

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[KampfAlwin]

It was to be expected. Our friggin national stadium is under-utilised, save for being a temporary vaccination centre. I've been there for the vaccination and it is run down. I have no hope lol

 

[Indos]

It was to be expected. Our friggin national stadium is under-utilised, save for being a temporary vaccination centre. I've been there for the vaccination and it is run down. I have no hope lol

Indonesia is delighted to replace Brunei, same like on how we were delighted to replace Vietnam to host Asian Games 2018.

This is now also part of strategy to win the competition to be Summer Olympic host. We lost just recently to Australia to host 2032 Olympic, and I believe Germany will be 2036 Olympic host where the announcement will happen in 2024. Our biggest chance is in 2028 announcement for 2040 Olympic and by becoming ASEAN games host in 2027 I believe can smoothen our position to become 2040 Olympic host.