2009 Southeast Asian Games
The 2009 Southeast Asian Games, the 25th edition of the regional multi-sport event, were hosted by Laos. Centered in Vientiane, the games served as a significant milestone for the host nation, showcasing its athletic capabilities and cultural heritage to the region.
Key Facts
- Host City: Vientiane, Laos.
- Venue: New Laos National Stadium.
- Dates: December 9 to December 18, 2009.
- Participating Nations: 11 countries.
- Total Medals Awarded: 1,246 (372 Gold, 374 Silver, 500 Bronze).
- Overall Winner: Thailand, with 86 gold medals.
The Opening Ceremony
The games officially commenced on December 9, 2009, at 18:10 (LST) at the New Laos National Stadium. The event began with the arrival of President Choummaly Sayasone and other guests of honor. Following a scoreboard countdown, athletes from participating nations marched into the stadium, led by the Lao Police Force band. The Bruneian delegation led the parade, while the host nation, Laos, brought the largest contingent with 733 athletes and officials.
The ceremony featured the raising of the National Flag of Laos and the games' flags. After a welcome speech by Somsavat Lengsavad, the Standing Deputy Prime Minister and chairman of the Organizing Committee, President Choummaly declared the games open. The athlete's oath was taken by Mayuly Phanouvong, and the judge's oath was administered by Somphone Manikham.
The highlight of the evening was the lighting of the cauldron. After a torch relay, Phoxay Aphailath lit an arrow held by a performer dressed as Sang Sinxay (a figure from Lao folklore). The performer shot the flaming arrow into the cauldron to signal the start of the competition. The ceremony concluded with a series of cultural dance performances, including segments titled "Forest, streams and life" and "Golden rice field and the light of righteousness."
Sports and Competition
Due to limited sports facilities in Vientiane and the lack of a coastline in Laos, the 2009 program featured 25 sports, a reduction from the 43 sports held during the 2007 games in Thailand. Several Olympic sports were removed, including sailing, rowing, canoeing, and basketball.
The program included a mix of Olympic and non-Olympic sports. Notably, finswimming and shuttlecock were reintroduced by the host country after being absent from the previous edition. Non-Olympic sports included Wushu, Sepak takraw, and Karate.
Event Distribution and Medal Count
A total of 372 gold medals were contested across various disciplines. Athletics and swimming were among the largest programs, offering 45 and 32 gold medals respectively. The competition schedule ran from December 2 to December 18, with the peak of medal events occurring between December 10 and 14.
| Nation | Number of Athletes |
|---|---|
| Thailand | 860 |
| Laos (Host) | 853 |
| Vietnam | 681 |
| Indonesia | 650 |
| Malaysia | 564 |
| Singapore | 413 |
| Myanmar | 389 |
| Philippines | 360 |
| Cambodia | 214 |
| Brunei | 74 |
| Timor-Leste | 61 |
Medal Standings and Results
Thailand emerged as the most successful nation, topping the table with 86 gold medals. Vietnam followed closely with 83 gold medals. For the host nation, Laos, the 2009 games marked their best performance in history, securing 33 gold medals and finishing seventh overall.
The Closing Ceremony
The games concluded on December 18, 2009, at 18:10 (LST) at the New Laos National Stadium. The ceremony began with the arrival of Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh and a parade of athletes organized by the sports they competed in. Following a closing speech by Somsavat Lengsavad, the flags were lowered and the cauldron was extinguished.
The hosting rights were officially handed over to Indonesia for the 2011 games, with Andi Mallarangeng, the Indonesian Minister of Youth and Sports, receiving the flag. The event featured a cultural exchange, including the "Glory of Sriwijaya" dance from Indonesia and various Lao farewell performances such as the Rocket Festival and boat racing festival dances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country won the most gold medals in the 2009 SEA Games?
Thailand won the most gold medals, finishing first in the medal table with 86 gold, 83 silver, and 97 bronze medals.
Why were there fewer sports in 2009 compared to 2007?
The number of sports was reduced to 25 (from 43 in 2007) because of limited sports facilities in Vientiane and the fact that Laos does not have a coastline, which necessitated the removal of water-based sports like sailing and rowing.
How did the host nation, Laos, perform?
Laos achieved its best-ever performance in Southeast Asian Games history, ranking seventh overall with 33 gold, 25 silver, and 52 bronze medals.
Who lit the cauldron during the opening ceremony?
Phoxay Aphailath lit an arrow that was then shot into the cauldron by a man dressed as the folklore character Sang Sinxay.
Which country took over the hosting rights for the next games?
The hosting rights were handed over to Indonesia, which hosted the 2011 Southeast Asian Games.