Host Myanmar Propose Fewer Swimming Events at 2013 Sea Games

KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 (Bernama) -- Myanmar have proposed 28 swimming events at the 27th SEA Games they will host in 2013, ten fewer than the 38 featured at the Indonesian edition of the games last November. According to the online newspaper, Today, based in Singapore, the events to be dropped include the men's and women's 4x200m freestyle relays and the men's 1,500m. "Our SEA Games organiser felt that we lack good swimmers in those events, which are long distance. We are better in the sprints," the newspaper quoted Myanmar Swimming Federation technical advisor Maung Maung Sein as saying. Maung, however, said the proposal was not final and the federation might have to consider the feedback from the other participating countries. Several member nations voiced concern over the proposal at the South East Asia Swimming Federation meeting in Singapore on Thursday. Philippine coach Carlos Brosas said: "Those are regular SEA Games events. Perhaps Myanmar do not understand the full context of it yet." The 27th Sea Games will be held in the Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon and Mandalay regions and at the Ngwe Saung Beach from Dec 11 to 22 next year. -- BERNAMA