THE participating nations, including Malaysia, have proposed the inclusion of 11 sports in the Vietnam Sea Games.
Representatives from all 11 member nations virtually attended a Sea Games Federation (SEAGF) sports and rules committee video conference yesterday.
Among them were Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) secretary general Datuk Nazifuddin Najib and Datuk Sieh Kok Chi, who is an honorary SEAGF member.
The OCM stated ultimately it is up to Vietnam, which has so far named 36 sports for the games, to decide on the final programme.
The 11 sports proposed for inclusion are: indoor hockey, netball, cricket, skateboard, sailing, sambo, tenpin bowling, rugby, squash, lawn bowls and esports.
"The meeting discussed the proposed amendment to the SEAGF charter and rules as well as the proposed number of sports for the programme of the 31st Sea Games," said the OCM.
"The host country, Vietnam provided a detailed briefing with regard to the 36 sports that they are proposing for the 2021 Sea Games.
"With regard to the sports to be contested, there were several appeals from countries for additional (11) sports.
"It must be noted that the prerogative on the number of sports to be contested lies with the host country.
"The proposal and recommendation by the SEAGF sport & rules committee will be tabled to the SEAGF executive committee and SEAGF council who will meet tomorrow (today) for further decision."
Among the 11 sports, Malaysia has a strong track record in squash, tenpin bowling, indoor hockey, lawn bowls and netball.
The OCM also disclosed that Vietnam will be housing athletes and officials at hotels instead of a games village.
While the games will be largely centred in Hanoi, a number of sports will be held in other areas but within 150 kilometres from the capital.