Athletics: SEA Games throw events could be moved

Athletics: SEA Games throw events could be moved

SINGAPORE - The Singapore Athletic Association (SAA) posted the schedule for track and field events at next year's South-east Asia (SEA) Games on its official website on Wednesday.

One update that drew attention was the notice that throw events - the discus, javelin, hammer and shot put - would be held at the Kallang Practice Track, which is a short walk from the National Stadium at the Singapore Sports Hub.

The Practice Track was originally earmarked to only be a warm-up venue for athletes.

In response to queries from The New Paper, a spokesman from the Singapore SEA Games Organising Committee (Singsoc) stressed that the plans put in place were only tentative.

"We are always looking at the best way to manage and optimise a venue," said the spokesman.

"The National Stadium is scheduled to host athletics, football and the opening and closing ceremonies.

"Given the heavy usage of the venue, we are considering the Kallang Track as a possible option.

"We will have better sensing on the need to activate the option closer to the Games."

TNP understands that Singsoc has plans to erect shelters and, possibly, temporary seating areas for spectators if the practice track is activated as a venue for the throw events.

Singsoc's concern over the "heavy usage" of the delicate field at the National Stadium comes as no surprise.

The pitch, which is a blend of natural grass and artificial fibres, has been in the spotlight ever since swathes of sandy patches were visible when Italian champions Juventus took on a Singapore Selection side in August.

CONCERN

While substantial costs have been incurred by SportsHub Pte Ltd - the consortium running the National Stadium - to allow the turf to bed in and mature, and even though it held up well during last month's AFF Suzuki Cup, there are still concerns.

In view of that, the Singsoc spokesman added that the preliminary football matches at next year's Games will be played at the Jalan Besar and Bishan Stadiums, with Singapore's games being played at the former venue.

Only the semi-finals and final will be played at the National Stadium.

SAA chief Tang Weng Fei said the national track and field body did not have the final say in the scheduling of the athletics events.

He said: "We tried to come to a compromise... After all, it's track and field.

"A lot of the throwers would have been looking forward to the support."

NOT RIGHT

Former national thrower James Wong, a 10-time SEA Games gold medallist, says using the Kallang Practice Track would not be right.

"I noticed it only after one of my thrower friends alerted me to the (SAA's Facebook) post," he said.

"After I commented on it, many of the throwers I've met from around the region began messaging me and asking me about the arrangement. But I don't know myself.

"I've been competing in the SEA Games since 1987, and I've won all my SEA Games medals inside stadiums, never outside one... This is the first time the throws will be done at a different venue.

"Where will the atmosphere be?

"It's puzzling and disappointing."

I've won all my SEA Games medals inside stadiums, never outside one... Where will the atmosphere be? It's puzzling and disappointing. - Singapore's 10-time SEA Games gold medallist James Wong, on the Kallang Practice Track being a possible venue for next year's SEA Games throw events.


This article was first published on December 7, 2014.
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