The artistic swimming competition at the forthcoming 33rd SEA Games has been left with only two events following the enforced cancellation of the mixed duet category due to an insufficient number of participating teams.
The mixed duet’s cancellation resulted from the withdrawal of the Indonesian team, leaving only Thailand and Malaysia in the field. According to SEA Games rules, an event must be cancelled if fewer than three teams participate.
This means the artistic swimming competition of the 2025 SEA Games, to be held from December 9–20 in Bangkok, Chon Buri, and Songkhla, will now offer just two gold medals—from the team and duet events.
The Thai artistic swimming team acknowledged that the removal of the mixed duet category dealt a major blow to its medal hopes, as Thai athletes had strong prospects of winning the event.
“The cancellation of the mixed duet competition definitely affects our medal target. We’re strong contenders for the title in this event, as our athletes were the winners at the Asian Championships.
“Our chances are not as strong in the team and duet events. Nevertheless, we should be among the top three. It’s a pity that we can’t compete in the mixed duet category. Had the competition gone ahead as scheduled, we would have been highly likely to claim the title,” said Yayinee Jaturongkakul, the Thai team’s assistant coach.
Despite Thai mixed duet athletes being denied the chance to showcase their skills at the home Games, the Thailand Aquatics Association (TAA) confirmed it will continue to support them.
“We’ll continue supporting our mixed duet team as they work to further develop themselves. They’ve consistently delivered strong performances, especially their eighth-place finish at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. That’s a result we can build on,” said Thanavit Thosakul, the TAA secretary-general.
