The total gold medals in play at the upcoming 24th SEA Games in Thailand

The total gold medals in play at the upcoming 24th SEA Games in Thailand may be reduced by 12 to 473, instead of 485 as planned.

The reduction is attributed to a lack of registered countries for 12 categories in six of the sporting events included in the major regional competition, to be held in Thailand’s northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province December 6-15.

According to regulations, the SEA Games organising board has to withdraw an event from the Games if only two countries send athletes to compete in it.

Some countries pointed to their slim chances of winning as the reason for withdrawing their competitors in the 12 event categories that will now likely be cancelled. Host team Thailand stands to suffer the most from the cancellations, as they were the favourites in all 12 of the events. Viet Nam had medal chances in three potentially cancelled shooting disciplines, including skeet, trap and double trap.

The total official number of athletes and officials from participating teams is 7,265, down 1,356 compared with earlier registered lists.