Indonesia told to host SEA Games in one city

Delegates at the Council Meeting of the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia asked the host country on Saturday to organize the biennial sporting event in one city, citing efficiency.

Olympic Council of Indonesia chief Rita Subowo said the proposal came from, among others, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.

“One of the reasons was efficiency, as they could not afford to cover operational costs of their teams who compete in several cities,” Rita was quoted by Antara.

Indonesia has proposed that the SEA Games be held in four cities, emulating the Philippines when it hosted the 2005 edition of the event.

Rita said she would talk to the government regarding the objection from several SEA Games participating nations.

The SEA Games Council Meeting will resume on Sunday to decide on proposals raised during the first day of the meeting on Saturday.