(Eagle News) – The Philippines only managed to get 24 gold medals, finishing only at sixth place in the just concluded 2017 Southeast Asia Games, which was way below the country’s target and expectations for its players.
The country collected 121 medals in all – 24 gold, 33 silver and 64 bronze medals – which was way below lead country Malaysia’s 323 medal haul consisting of 145 gold, 92 silver and 86 bronze medals.
Finishing at second place was Thailand with 246 medals – 72 gold, 86 silver and 88 bronze medals. Third was Vietnam with 168 medals – 58 gold, 50 silver and 60 bronze medals; fourth was Singapore with 188 medals – 57 gold, 58 silver and 73 bronze medals; and fifth was Indonesia with 191 medals – 38 gold, 63 silver and 90 bronze medals.
This year’s SEA games finish of the Philippines, with only 24 gold medals was also way below the target of 50 gold medals at the start of the competition. It was also five medals short of the 29 gold medals the country got in the 2013 SEA games held in Myanmar, and the 2015 SEA Games held in Singapore.
The 2017 SEA games held in Kuala Lumpur officially concluded in a colourful and vibrant ceremony as hosts Malaysia celebrate in style the 145-gold feat in the region’s biggest sporting extravaganza at Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Wednesday (30 Aug) night.
The Games cauldron, which was lit by Malaysian diving sensation Nur Dhabitah Sabri on Aug 19, was completely extinguished at exactly 10.17pm (Malaysian time) on Wednesday (30 Aug) night, marking the end of an exciting 12 days of action which saw Malaysia achieving its target of becoming the overall champion.
Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had earlier declared the Games closed at precisely 10.13pm. Over the last two weeks, 7,090 athletes (4,709) and officials (2381) had gathered in Kuala Lumpur, competing in 38 sports and 404 events.
Host Malaysia formed the biggest contingent of 844 athletes and 390 officials at the Games.
The 30th edition of the Games will be hosted by the Philippines in 2019.
(Eagle News Service)
