The Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) is a biennial sporting event that unites athletes from 11 countries in the region. Overseen by the Southeast Asian Games Federation, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), the SEA Games promotes friendly competition and solidarity among neighboring nations.
Originating from the South East Asian Peninsular Games (SEAP Games) in 1958, the event was founded by six countries, including Burma (now Myanmar), Kampuchea (now Cambodia), Laos, Malaya (now Malaysia), Thailand, and the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam), with the goal of fostering regional cooperation and understanding through sports.
The inaugural Southeast Asian Peninsular Games took place in Bangkok, Thailand, from December 12th to 17th, 1959. Although Cambodia was among the founding members, the nation did not participate in the first edition of the games. Thailand was the first Southeast Asian country to host the games, which later came to be known as the Southeast Asian Games.
Held at the Suphachalasai Stadium in Bangkok, both the opening and closing ceremonies were attended by King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. The host nation, Thailand, topped the final medal count, with Burma and Malaya following closely behind.
The first SEAP Games in Bangkok featured over 527 athletes and officials from six countries competing in 12 sports. As the event grew, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines joined the Federation in 1975, resulting in the formation of the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) in 1977. East Timor was also admitted in 2003, despite not being an ASEAN member.
In 2009, Laos hosted its first Southeast Asian Games, marking the event’s 50th anniversary. The SEA Games’ symbol has evolved over time, starting with six rings in 1959 and now featuring 11 rings to represent each participating nation.
The official SEA Games logo depicts five fingers holding the 10-circle chain of the Southeast Asian Games Federation, creating a dove symbolizing peace. The chosen logo, selected from nearly 1,000 submissions, embodies the unity and collaboration at the heart of the Games.
Participants in the SEA Games encompass Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam, each with distinctive IOC codes and other codes used by various sports organizations.
The Southeast Asian Games have been hosted in 15 cities across member countries, excluding East Timor, since its inception. The event continues to strengthen bonds, showcase athletic prowess, and demonstrate the region’s commitment to unity, sportsmanship, and collective growth.
The 2023 Southeast Asian Games, also known as the 32nd SEA Games or Cambodia 2023, will be a milestone in the region’s sporting history. Scheduled for May 5 to 17, 2023, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, this multi-sport spectacle will mark the 32nd edition of the SEA Games.
Announced during the SEA Games Federation Council meeting in Singapore, held concurrently with the 2015 Southeast Asian Games, Cambodia’s National Olympic Committee President, Thong Khon, expressed eagerness and anticipation for the upcoming event. Initially, the Philippines was set to host the Games, but due to Brunei’s withdrawal, the event was rescheduled for 2019, allowing Cambodia to host for the first time in its history.
This is a significant achievement for Cambodia, as the 3rd Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games in 1963 were canceled due to political unrest. Initially slated to include 40 sports, the final lineup will showcase an impressive array of 37 sports.
As Cambodia readies itself for this prestigious event, the nation is abuzz with excitement and anticipation. The Better Cambodia magazine will serve as the go-to source for updates, highlights, and exclusive stories from the 32nd SEA Games. Join us in celebrating this historical moment for our cherished nation.
Photos: Cambodia 2023
