Six NSAs still uncertain for SEA Games, says Magat

MANILA, Philippines—The participation of six national sports associations in the Southeast Asian Games remains uncertain despite getting the go-signal from the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Philippine chef de mission Romeo Magat said baseball, men’s softball, futsal men and women, bridge, paragliding and sports climbing haven’t reached a deal yet with their potential private sponsors to join the delegation in the November 11 to 22 biennial games in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia.

There are 534 athletes from 39 sports approved by the POC but a fraction—110 to be exact—should be funded by private backers.

The Philippine Sports Commission has agreed to bankroll no more than 424 athletes and 140 officials to fit the P30-million budget earmarked by the sports-funding agency for the duration of the 11-nation meet.

“We’re not implementing the old policy of ‘have money, will travel,’” said Magat.

“These privately-funded NSAs have justified the inclusion of their athletes and the POC firmly believes that they could win medals,” Magat added.

The privately-sponsored athletes came from softball (17), baseball (22), futsal men (12), futsal women (12), bridge (13), sports climbing (11), judo (3), fencing (3), badminton (3), athletics (2), gymnastics (2), golf (2) and one from cycling.

Unless these NSAs could work out a deal with their sponsors, Magat said they would be scratched from the delegation. The POC has given them until October 20 to secure funding.

The athletes from badminton, athletics, golf, judo, fencing, gymnastics and cycling are already assured of private aid.

“The PSC has prioritized NSAs with better chances of winning medals,” said Magat.