Athletes to Check into Centralised Training Camp to Tune Up for Final Assault

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- About 700 athletes will report for the SEA Games’ final phase training camp at the Renaissance Hotel, here from Aug 4-10. The National Sports Council’s corporate communications unit in a statement today said a total of 1,039 individuals involved in the SEA Games, including athletes and 162 coaches, team managers and secretariat involved in the SEA Games which officially opens on Aug 19, at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. According to the statement, a number of sports would not be attending the centralised training camp due to prior commitments, training or competitions in the country or abroad. "The equestrian team is taking part in a competition in Belgium while the polo team is training in Pekan, Pahang. The muay thai squad is training in Bangkok while divers are in China for training until Aug18," said the statement. The men’s football squad is scheduled to attend the flag handing ceremony scheduled at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre on Aug 10. During the centralised training camp, athletes would undergo motivational talks, briefings and talks to inspire and motivate them. The 871-member contingent will compete in 397 of the 404 events contested in the SEA Games. -- BERNAMA