Vietnam, as host country, wants to postpone the 31st SEA Games. The Vietbam Olympic Committee asked the Olympic committees of ASEAN members for their decision whether to postpone or push through with the Games in November. 8 out of 11 countries voted for the Games to go on as scheduled.
It is unfortunate that majority of the ASEAN members seem to forget that Covid-19 can kill and cause so much domestic problems as they insist in holding the Games this year. Gathering thousands of athletes, sports officials and sports writers in Vietnam is a virtual suicide. The Games are certainly a super spreader event.
What makes the vote of the 8 countries not to postpone the games so ridiculous is the fact that the Games will only be postponed for a later date. The Games will not be cancelled at all. Vietnam is simply asking for a delay in holding the Games to contain the Covid-19 virus and effectively manage the risk of infection among the participants.
There is a human aspect to the issue. No amount of gold medals can compensate for the loss of lives because of Covid-19. No amount of gold medals can make up for the possible spread of the virus to eleven countries.
Gold medals do not define sports heroes. Love for human life and ability to know what is best for humanity do.
