2027 SEA Plus Youth Games
| Nations | 20+ (planned) |
|---|---|
| Opening | 2 December 2027 |
| Closing | 14 December 2027 |
The 2027 Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games (2027 SEA Plus YG) will be the inaugural edition of the SEA Plus Youth Games a regional multi-sports youth tournament primarily for countries from Southeast Asia and guest nations from outside the region. It will be for athletes 16-years old and below.
The inaugural edition will be hosted by the Philippines from 2 to 14 December 2027.
Background
Conception
Plans for a "SEA Games Plus" were first announced by the Indonesian Olympic Committee president, Raja Sapta Oktohari, on 25 December 2025. He pitched the proposal as an "expanded" SEA Games with the inclusion of countries of Oceania as well as Bhutan (which is where the "plus" in the event comes from). He argued that introducing this would support athletes in bridging the gap between regional and international events, focus on holding more Olympic sports over regional sports, and eliminating the possibility for host nations to tamper with the SEA Games charter to maximise medal hauls. Initially the first edition was planned to be held in the Philippines in 2028.[1][2]
In March 2026, the Philippines was confirmed to be the inaugural host with the first SEA Plus YG to be held from 2 to 14 December 2027.[3]
Eligibility
The 2027 SEA Plus Youth Games is restricted to athletes 16 years old and younger.[3]
At least for Filipino dual nationals, a Philippine passport would suffice.[4]
Participating National Olympic Committees
All eleven National Olympic Committee (NOC) members of the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) are eligible to enter the games. Additionally invitations were extended to NOCs outside of Southeast Asia.[3]
| Participating National Olympic Committees (NOCs) | |
|---|---|
| |
| Guest NOCs | Other invited NOCs[3] (to be confirmed) |
|
|
References
- ^ Azharie, Farah (28 December 2025). "Critics fear SEA Games Plus will turn Asean pride into Oceania's party". New Straits Times. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
- ^ Azharie, Farah (29 December 2025). "NSC chief says it's premature to discuss 'SEA Games Plus' idea". New Straits Times. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
- ^ a b c d "Philippines to host inaugural SEA Plus Youth Games in 2027". Tiebreaker Times. 9 March 2026. Retrieved 10 March 2026.
- ^ Villar, Joey (9 March 2026). "First-ever SEA Plus Youth Games slated in Philippines". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 10 March 2026.
- ^ "Sri Lanka NOC welcomes invitation to compete in SEA Plus Youth Games". Olympic Council of Asia. 12 March 2026.