SEA Games: Malaysia promises to iron out ‘glitches’

Thailand’s Chaiyawat Buran (L) fights for the ball with Indonesia’s Gavin Kwan during their men’s football Group B round match of the 29th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) at Shah Alam Stadium, outside Kuala Lumpur on August 15, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Manan VATSYAYANA

Malaysia’s sports minister admitted Wednesday there were “glitches” with preparations for the Southeast Asian Games after a report said a key venue was not ready and fans had trouble getting into a football game.

The Malay Mail Online reported that the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre needed a lot of work as it was only handed over to organizers two days ago, while spectators faced problems getting into Monday’s Malaysia-Brunei match.

“There are some glitches here and there, we are taking care of that now,” Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin told reporters, adding that overall the picture was “so far so good”.

Khairy, who himself will compete in polo at the multi-sport event, earlier offered assurances that all venues for the August 19-30 games would be ready on time despite the problems, the Malay Mail reported.

Events taking place at the convention centre include judo, karate, taekwondo and snooker.

Large crowds flocked to watch the Malaysia-Brunei game Monday, which Malaysia won 2-1, but some fans with tickets could get in, with media reports blaming poor organization.

Hosts Malaysia won the first gold of the games Wednesday in sepak takraw, a sport native to Southeast Asia that combines elements of football and volleyball. They beat the Philippines and Brunei in the “chinlone” category of the sport to win.

Malaysia is targeting 111 gold medals at the SEA Games, which brings together thousands of athletes from across the region.