In a report carried by the Jakarta Post, Indonesian National Sports Committee chair Rita Subowo said the final roster of sports was approved during the SEA Games Federation Council meeting last Friday in Nusa Dua in Bali.

The meeting was attended by 60 sports officials from the 11 participating countries, including four from the Philippines—Philippine Olympic Committee chair Monico Puentevella, POC secretary general Steve Hontiveros and POC officials Julian Camacho and Manny Lopez.

“An event will not be excluded if five countries have already confirmed their participation in that event beforehand, even if some of the countries withdraw later,” Subowo told the Jakarta Post.

But the decision to keep the list of 42 sports intact drew flak from several delegation members, including former PH boxing chief Lopez.

“I am really confused,” Lopez said, in a report carried by the Ankara news agency. “The decision on the number of sports [to be disputed in the Games] should have been made 12 months ago.”

The Philippines tried to include rugby and several events where it has strong medal chances but eventually managed to get the council’s approval only for billiards and chess.

Malaysia’s Dato Zakaria Ahmad also expressed disappointment after failing to get squash, women’s football and hockey included in the final roster.

The Games will be held in Palembang and Jakarta from Nov. 11 to 25.

The SEA Games Federation will again meet in Indonesia in July to check on the progress of the construction of the Games facilities.

The Jakarta Post said seven more venues have yet to be completed including those in water skiing, softball, baseball, beach volleyball, cliff climbing, roller skating and pentaque.

Indonesia set aside a budget of $241.8 million for the Games with funds coming from the government and private sponsors.

Marc Anthony Reyes, Phil. Daily Inquirer