As the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games prepare for their 2025 edition in Thailand, a surprising development has left athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts across the region scratching their heads. The host nation recently released a proposed list of 40 sports to be included in the games, and to the dismay of many, karate, jiujitsu, wushu, along with lawn bowls and weightlifting, have been conspicuously omitted. This unexpected exclusion has not only puzzled those directly involved but has also sparked significant debate and concern across the sporting community.
A Surprising Exclusion
Karate, jiujitsu, and wushu are sports with deep roots and strong followings in Southeast Asia. Each has a rich history in the region, with athletes regularly delivering standout performances on both the regional and international stages. Karate and wushu, in particular, are disciplines that are not only popular but are also integral to the cultural and martial arts heritage of the region. Jiujitsu, meanwhile, has seen a rapid rise in popularity, especially among younger athletes, and has consistently drawn attention at previous SEA Games.
The decision to exclude these sports, alongside the omission of lawn bowls and weightlifting—another Olympic sport in which Thailand has traditionally excelled—has left many in the sports community bewildered. For athletes who have dedicated years of training in anticipation of representing their countries, the news is nothing short of heartbreaking.
Regional Backlash and Appeals
The exclusion has not gone unnoticed by national sports bodies. In June 2024, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) officially submitted an appeal to the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF), urging the reinstatement of the omitted sports. The OCM emphasized the importance of these sports to the athletes and fans in the region, stressing that their exclusion diminishes the competitive spirit and inclusivity that the SEA Games are known for.
Despite these appeals, there has been little response from Thailand, further frustrating athletes and officials. The silence has led to growing concerns that the SEA Games might lose some of its allure and significance if these sports, which have been staples of the event, are not reinstated.
New Additions and Demonstration Sports
Adding to the perplexity of the situation, the 2025 SEA Games will include some non-traditional sports, such as teqball and kick-boxing, and even demonstration sports like flying disc and tug of war. While the inclusion of new and emerging sports is generally welcomed as a means to diversify and modernize the Games, the decision to prioritize these over well-established sports like karate, wushu, and jiujitsu has been met with skepticism.
Teqball, a hybrid of football and table tennis, has been gaining popularity, but it is still relatively niche compared to the global reach of the excluded martial arts. Similarly, while kick-boxing has its merits, it is a discipline that overlaps with both muay thai and wushu, making the exclusion of the latter even more puzzling.
Impact on Athletes and the Future of Martial Arts in SEA Games
For the athletes who have been preparing for the 2025 SEA Games, the exclusion of these martial arts is a significant setback. Not only does it affect their immediate goals and aspirations, but it also has broader implications for the development of these sports in the region. Without the platform that the SEA Games provides, young and upcoming athletes may find it more challenging to gain the exposure and experience necessary to compete on larger international stages.
The decision also raises questions about the future direction of the SEA Games and whether it will continue to be a comprehensive showcase of Southeast Asia’s diverse sporting culture. The omission of sports that have a strong historical and cultural presence in the region could set a concerning precedent for future editions of the Games.