Tennis excluded in 2013 Southeast Asian Games – Myanmar

For the first time since 1959, tennis won’t be a part of the Southeast Asian Games after 2013 host nation Myanmar opted not to stage this medal sport. The organizers decided not to stage this popular Olympic discipline after citing lack of facilities as one of the main reasons.

The Southeast Asian Games will take place from December 11 to 22, 2013 at Naypyidaw, the new capital of Myanmar. Other cities will also host other events such as Yangon, Mandalay and Ngwesaung Beach.

Aside from tennis, the Olympic sport excluded in the event is Gymnastics.

The defending gold medalists in singles were Christopher Rungkat of Indonesia (men’s singles) and Ayu-Fani Damayanti of Indonesia (women’s singles) who won these medals at the previous SEA Games in 2011 at Palembang, Indonesia.