SNOC requests SEA Games Federation to address technical issues that occurred during athletics finals
The national records set by Singapore's Kerstin Ong and Ang Chen Xiang will not stand as a result of technical issues.
Suphachalasai Stadium, where the 33rd SEA Games athletics are held, in Bangkok, Thailand, on Dec 13, 2025. (Photo: CNA/Jeremy Long)
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BANGKOK: The Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) has requested that the South East Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) address technical issues reported during the evening session of the athletics finals at the Suphachalasai stadium on Friday (Dec 12).
In a letter from SNOC secretary-general Mark Chay to the SEAGF seen by CNA, Mr Chay expressed "deep concern" regarding "reported failure of the timing system".
In response to queries from CNA, an SNOC spokesperson said that the issue affects the session during which Singapore’s Kerstin Ong and Ang Chen Xiang recorded personal best performances and national records in the women’s and men’s 110m hurdles respectively.
The national records set by both athletes will not stand, said SNOC.
"While the athletes’ placings remain valid, their recorded timings cannot be recognised for statistical purposes," said the spokesperson.
Initially, there were national marks for Ang, who clocked a time of 13.75s en route to clinching silver in his event, and Ong registered a time of 13.47s in the heats of her event.
The spokesperson also said that SNOC had been informed by Asian Athletics that "technical issues with the timing system" affected the statistical integrity of the results of the session.
"This is unfortunate, and we have lodged the matter with the Southeast Asian Games Federation to ensure that standards at the Games are upheld."
In a letter to team managers from Asian Athletics seen by CNA, the organisation said it had formed an "enquiry committee" following "many problems" cropping up during the competition.
After a detailed discussion with the "technical delegates, the International Photo Finish Judge and the LOC Competition Director”, it was found that the "major hiccup" was due to "power supply and inconsistent internet facilities", but also that the timing and scoring company also did not come up to "standard requirement."
It added Friday's morning session and both of Thursday's sessions were not affected by the issue.
The organisation added that the SEAGF should take "adequate care" to ensure such instances do not happen again.
In his letter to SEAGF, Mr Chay said the matter is one of "grave concern", given that it resulted in the “inability to account for results” for statistical purposes such as records, qualification to major events, and world rankings.
"While we acknowledge the assurance that the correct placing of athletes was ensured, the inability to validate the timing results undermines the integrity of the competition and the efforts of the athletes who have trained tirelessly for this moment," he said.
"This incident not only affects the credibility of the competition but also raises questions about the preparedness and reliability of the appointed timing company."
As a result, SNOC has requested an official statement addressing the issues, said the letter.
"This statement should provide clarity on the situation, outline the steps being taken to rectify the issue, and reaffirm the Federation’s commitment to ensuring fair and accurate competition standards," said Mr Chay.
In addition, Mr Chay called on SEAGF to provide "clear guidance" to the National Olympic Committees on how this incident will impact the athletes, particularly in relation to qualification for major events, record recognition, and world rankings.
"SEAGF must ensure that the responsible timing company is held accountable for this failure and that immediate measures are taken to resolve the issue for the remaining sessions," he added.
"Additionally, we urge SEAGF to review and strengthen its protocols for technical systems to prevent such incidents in future editions of the Games."
Mr Chay added that it is imperative that such technical failures are addressed with "utmost urgency" to prevent further disruptions to the remaining sessions and to "uphold the standards" expected of the SEA Games.
"The SEA Games is a platform that celebrates the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence, and it is crucial that we uphold the integrity and credibility of this prestigious event," he said.
"We trust that SEAGF will take swift and decisive action to address this matter and provide the necessary assurances to all participating NOCs."
CNA has contacted SEAGF for comment.
