SEA Games: OCM not pleased with Korat organisers

The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) are disappointed with organising committee of the Korat SEA Games.

OCM president Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Jaafar said yesterday that the SEA Games is only three months away but until today the organisers have not send us an update on the Games and the accreditation forms for the media.

“The organisers are not following the procedures of the Games and this could be because of the election in Thailand in November. We understand that they are going through a difficult political situation in Thailand,'' said Tunku Imran.

He added that they are also disappointed with the organisers for charging a fee for the TV broadcast.

“This is the first time in the history of the SEA Games that a country wants to charge a fee for TV coverage. We strongly object to the organisers as according to the SEA Games Federation there should not be a fee for TV coverage among the SEA Games countries.

“We believe that they want to charge the fee because some of the officials in the organising committee don't have any knowledge about the rules,'' said Tunku Imran.

He added that the organisers, however, have given OCM an assurance that the Games would go on as schedule.

“We believe that the Games will go on well as it will be held away from Bangkok.”

He added that the final selection of athletes for the Games would be held on Sept 25 and he's hoping that more athletes would qualify by then.

“We will also consider athletes on the borderline. They will either compete either under Category A or B depending on the athletes' experience and age.

“It will also depends on the recommendation of the sports associations and the performances of the athletes,'' said Tunku Imran.

The OCM will bear the cost for athletes under Category A while sport associations will have to fork out money for athletes under Category B.

The OCM will only reimburse the full amount if the athlete wins at least a silver medal.

The Star