Brunei Darussalam
Brunei first participated in this prestigious sporting event in 1996 by sending a single athlete to compete in the skeet shooting category. The first athlete to represent Brunei Darussalam in the Summer Olympics in Atlanta in 1996 was Prince Abdul Hakeem Jefri Bolkiah. The country, which formed its National Olympic Council in 1984, had shown interest in the Olympics by sending representatives as observers to the Seoul (1988) and Barcelona (1992) Games.
To date, Brunei Darussalam has participated in the Summer Olympics seven times in various sports such as athletics, badminton, shooting, and swimming. For the Paris 2024 Olympics, Brunei is sending three athletes to compete in swimming (two athletes) and athletics (one athlete).
Cambodia
Cambodia made its Summer Olympics debut in 1956 in Stockholm. The country, which has undergone several name changes, has often had its status questioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). However, Cambodia proved its determination to participate in the Summer Olympics. In 1994, Cambodia's National Olympic Committee (NOC) was properly established and recognized by the IOC.
Despite participating since 1956, Cambodia has yet to win a medal. For the Paris 2024 Olympics, like Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia sends three athletes to compete in this four-year event.
Indonesia
Indonesia first participated in the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. Initially, Indonesia formed its National Olympic Committee (NOC) in 1947, but this was rejected by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), so Indonesia could only participate in its first Olympics in 1952. In the Summer Olympics, Indonesia won 37 medals (21 from badminton, 15 from weightlifting, and 1 from archery).
For the Paris 2024 Olympics, Indonesia is sending 29 athletes to compete and strive to bring glory to the nation on the international stage. With 29 athletes, Indonesia aims to give its best to the country.
Laos
Laos made its Summer Olympics debut in 1980 in Moscow. The country, which formed its National Olympic Committee (NOC) in 1975, only received recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1979. In 1980, Laos was able to have its NOC recognized, allowing it to compete in the Summer Olympics that year.
To date, Laos has not won any medals in the Summer Olympics. The best performance by Laos was in 1980 when race walker Thipsamay Chanthaphone finished 25th. For the Paris 2024 Olympics, Laos is sending three athletes to compete and represent the country on the international stage.
Malaysia
Malaysia first participated in the Olympics in 1964, when Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore joined forces to compete. Malaysia won its first medal in 1992 when men's doubles badminton players Alan Sidek Mohamed and Ajib Sidek Mohamed won a bronze medal. Since then, Malaysia has continued to accumulate medals in various sports, predominantly badminton. To date, Malaysia has won a total of 13 medals. However, Malaysia has yet to win a gold medal.
For the Paris 2024 Olympics, Malaysia is sending 26 athletes to compete, with one of their goals being to win a gold medal and break the gold medal curse.
Myanmar
Myanmar made its Olympic debut in 1948 at the London Games. The country, which formed its National Olympic Committee (NOC) in 1997, has routinely participated in the Summer Olympics except for the 1976 Games.
To date, Myanmar has not won any medals in the Olympics. For the Paris 2024 Olympics, Myanmar is sending only two athletes, making it the country with the fewest athletes from Southeast Asia competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Philippines
The Philippines was the first Southeast Asian country to participate in the Olympics, debuting in 1924. Throughout its Olympic history, the Philippines has won 14 medals in various sports, such as weightlifting, swimming, athletics, and boxing. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the Philippines made history by winning its first gold medal.
For the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Philippines is sending 22 athletes to compete in various sports.
Singapore
Singapore has competed in the Olympics since 1948. Initially, Singapore joined Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak but separated and left the Federation of Malaysia in 1965. At that time, the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Singapore was re-recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Singapore won its first medal in weightlifting in 1960. To date, Singapore has won a total of five medals: one gold, two silver, and two bronze. For the Paris 2024 Olympics, Singapore is sending 23 athletes to compete.
Thailand
Thailand first competed in the Olympics in 1952. The National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Thailand was formed in 1948 and recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1950. To date, Thailand has recorded the highest number of gold medals in Southeast Asia with 10, followed by Indonesia with eight gold medals.
For the Paris 2024 Olympics, Thailand is sending 51 athletes, making it the Southeast Asian country with the highest number of athletes competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Timor-Leste
Timor Leste competed in the Olympics for the first time in 2000 after separating from Indonesia. However, at that time, athletes from Timor Leste participated under the name Independent Olympic Athletes (IOA).
Unfortunately, to date, Timor Leste has not won any medals in the Olympics. For the Paris 2024 Olympics, Timor Leste is sending four athletes to compete.
Viet Nam
After the Vietnam War ended, the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Vietnam was formed in 1976. Vietnam first participated in the Olympics in 1980 after the war ended. Vietnam won its first medal in 2000 at the Sydney Olympics, a silver in taekwondo.
To date, Vietnam has won a total of five Olympic medals in various sports. Vietnam's first gold medal was won by Hoang Xuan Vinh in shooting. For the Paris 2024 Olympics, Vietnam sends 16 athletes to compete in this four-year event.
