Its Olympic Committee planned that East Timor should join more sports this time compared to those of the previous SEAG editions.

Oriando dos Santos contested in the men's light flyweight division and gained a bronze medal when he lost to Harry Tanamor of Philippines.

The latter joined the men's featherweight division but lost early to Charly Suarez of Philippines thus losing hope of gaining a medal.

The karateka, Sonia Soarescorreia, won a bronze medal in the women's kumite division - 61 kg and below.

In addition, the sport also became a source of medal of East Timor at the 2009 Southeast Asian Games.