The SEA Games Federation Assembly will take place from September 6-9 at the Ambassador Hotel in Pattaya with representatives from 11 nations -Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Burma, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei and East Timor.

The purpose of the meeting is to finalise which sports will be contested at the 2007 SEA Games, which Thailand will host from December 6-15.

Prof Charoen Wattanasin, one of the council members, said: "This is a very crucial matter. During next month's SEA Games Federation meeting in Pattaya we have to have all the countries agreeing.

"Now there are difficulties over some sporting events. The triathlon and duathlon have been reduced to three classes from four. In addition, instead of Rayong, the races will now be held in Pattaya."

According to Charoen, there are not enough teams to stage equestrian polo, handball, hockey and women's rugby. Also, for lawn bowls no greens are available for the competition.

He said squash cannot be added to the SEA Games because the country no longer has an association to run the contest.

As for other changes, five sports associations have asked for 13 more categories to be included. However, only two events, women's muay Thai and men's boxing, have been increased in numbers to make a total of 438 gold medals from 39 sports at the Games.

Waree Theptoranintra

The Nation