The creation of the SEA Plus Youth Games is being positioned as a positive and timely development for youth sports in Southeast Asia, addressing long-standing gaps in athlete preparation and regional competition at the grassroots level.
The Philippine Olympic Committee said the SEA Plus Youth Games will provide a structured international platform for athletes aged 17 and under, helping bridge the transition from domestic competitions to major events such as the Asian Youth Games and the Youth Olympic Games. By staging the event at least a year before the Asian Youth Games, young athletes gain early exposure to high-level competition, allowing them to develop confidence, discipline, and competitive maturity at a crucial stage of their careers.
POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who spearheaded the creation of the SEA Plus Youth Games, said the initiative strengthens grassroots development by giving countries a consistent benchmark for youth performance. With regular competition against regional peers, national programs can better identify talent, improve coaching standards, and refine long-term training pathways aligned with international expectations.
The support of nine Southeast Asian National Olympic Committees reflects broad regional recognition of the Games’ value. This cooperation encourages shared development goals and helps standardize youth competition structures across Southeast Asia, creating a more level and competitive playing field for emerging athletes.
Backing from the Olympic Council of Asia further reinforces the Games’ relevance. The biennial format allows sustained athlete monitoring and continuity, rather than isolated participation, helping countries build deeper and more competitive talent pools over time.
The “Plus” element of the SEA Plus Youth Games adds another layer of benefit by inviting at least one Asian National Olympic Committee from outside Southeast Asia in each edition. This exposure introduces young athletes to higher levels of competition and diverse sporting styles, accelerating learning while maintaining a development-focused environment.
By hosting the inaugural edition in Manila in 2028, the Philippines aims to play a leading role in shaping a stronger regional youth sports ecosystem. Tolentino said the long-term value of the SEA Plus Youth Games lies in building solid foundations early, increasing Southeast Asia’s capacity to produce athletes capable of competing successfully at the Asian level and, eventually, on the Olympic stage.
