SEA Games: Boxing, other events moved to Bangkok due to safety risks

MANILA, Philippines, November 29 ------ Boxing and nine other events of the Thailand SEA Games originally scheduled for Songkhla have been moved to Bangkok due to massive flooding that hit the southern province.

Local reports said that the conditions of the venue coupled with potential risk of disease outbreaks prompted the host country to move those disciplines, mostly combat sports, to the Thai capital for the Games set Dec. 9 to 20. The Nation, an English-language publication in Thailand, reported that the other events that will now be placed in Bangkok are Group B of men’s football, chess, karate, wrestling, wushu, pencak silat, judo, kabbadi and petanque.

Thailand’s decision meant that Eumir Marcial and the rest will now be seeking a fifth gold medal in Bangkok where the Philippines will renew its rivalry in the squared circle with the hosts. The majority of the events for the 33rd edition is held in Bangkok or in nearby cities, while the rest are to be held in Chonburi, about two hours away by land.

Southern Thailand, where Songkhla is located, has experienced severe floods due to torrential rains since last week. Thirty-three people have died while 10,000 are displaced, according to reports from news agencies.

Source: inquirer.net