The 2021 SEA Games would not be taking place this year after the SEA Games Federation (SEAGF) agreed to postpone it to 2022.

The decision was confirmed today by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).

The postponement of the 31st edition of the biennial multi-sport event, initially set to be held in Hanoi, Vietnam, at the end of the year, had been expected due to rising COVID-19 cases in the region.

According to an official statement, the new dates would be determined by the SEAGF Council.

It meant a potential busy year for Malaysian athletes with the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and SUKMA Games also scheduled to take place in 2022.