The SEA Games is a multi-sport event for all nations of the Southeast Asian region, run every two years and judo is part of the programme. Eleven countries are taking part: Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Although the Games has been running since 5th May, judo appears towards the end of the programme, 13th to 16th May, and is therefore now underway at the Chroy Changvar Convention Center.
Countries in this region are not traditionally big judo nations and so a multi-sport event of this magnitude is fantastic development, providing strong international competition with the added bonus of feeling like a mini-Olympics, giving judoka a perfect platform on which to practise ahead of the Paris Olympic Games next year. Some of the judoka competing in Cambodia will have the opportunity to participate in next year’s Olympic Games.
Judo first appeared at these Games in 1973 with 7 men’s categories each competing for gold, silver and a single bronze. Women were included in 1981 and at that time, 7 weight categories plus an open section was in play for women and for men.
In 2025 the SEA Games will be hosted by Thailand.