Raja Sapta Oktohari, Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC), proposed the idea. If it materializes, the Philippines would host the inaugural SEA Games Plus in 2028, one year after the 34th SEA Games in Malaysia.

"We are currently in contact with several nations to initiate the expansion of the SEA Games", Oktohari stated during a meeting at the NOC headquarters on 24/12. "In addition to the 11 Southeast Asian countries, Bhutan and some Oceania nations such as New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji could participate".

Raja Sapta Oktohari (center), Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC), speaks at a SEA Games 33 review meeting at the NOC headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 24/12/2025. *Photo: Bola*

Australia and New Zealand are globally strong sporting nations. At the Olympic Paris 2024, Australia ranked 4th overall, securing 18 gold, 19 silver, and 16 bronze medals, trailing only the United States, China, and Japan. New Zealand, meanwhile, placed 11th with 10 gold, 7 silver, and 3 bronze medals.

The NOC Chairman hopes this initiative will serve as a stepping stone for athletes to advance to higher-level competitions. SEA Games Plus aims to establish new standards by prioritizing Olympic sports. He believes the current SEA Games format is susceptible to manipulation, with host nations often favoring sports in which they have a strong advantage.

"Whether in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, or Indonesia, the host always aims to top the medal tally", Oktohari stated. "Moving forward, Indonesia will proactively prioritize Olympic sports, as multi-sport events demand substantial funding".

A performance during the opening ceremony of the SEA Games 33 at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on 9/12/2025. *Photo: Duc Dong*

At SEA Games 33, Indonesia finished second overall with 91 gold, 112 silver, and 130 bronze medals. Thailand led the tally with 233 gold, 154 silver, and 108 bronze, while Vietnam placed third with 87 gold, 81 silver, and 110 bronze.

Excluding medals from non-Olympic 2028 sports, Indonesia accounted for 73.63% of its total gold medals, ranking behind Singapore with 88.46% and the Philippines with 80%. Vietnam achieved 71.26%, while Thailand recorded 55.36%.

Prior to the event, Thailand was expected to host a professional SEA Games, closely aligned with Olympic standards. However, political instability and natural disasters led to numerous organizational shortcomings, with accusations of favoritism even arising in many competitions.

*Compiled by Trung Thu*