SEA Games History

The South East Asian Games, or SEA Games, is held every two (2) years, in between the years fixed for the Olympic Games and the Asian Games, unless otherwise decided by the SEAGF Council. The honour of hosting the Games is entrusted to the NOC of each of the SEAGF Member- NOC countries, in rotation, in alphabetical order, unless such rotation and awarding is otherwise decided by the SEAGF Council.

The Games started as the South East Asian Peninsular Games, or SEAP Games, in Bangkok in 1959. In 1977, the Games were renamed the South East Asian Games, or SEA Games, to better reflect the geographical composition of the SEAGF and the Games.

Whilst the host NOC may propose the sports, disciplines, and events, to be included in a SEA Games, it must be in compliance with the SEAGF Charter and Rules, and the final list for inclusion must be approved by the SEAGF Council, at least twelve (120 months before the date of the opening ceremony of that Games.

The SEA Games have grown from strength to strength over the years into a sustainable regional event to promote cooperation, understanding, close relations amongst the SEA countries, and to develop athletic excellence competing in good sportsmanship and fair play, and promote cultural exchange.