The national-level sporting event was grandly and ceremoniously held at the national stadium on 9 December, where athletes from different regions of the country are currently participating in various sports competitions. In preparation for the games, athletes from each region have been actively training and preparing in their respective sports. The relevant state and regional governments have been providing systematic support, and organizing necessary facilities and resources.
The opening ceremony was will be held with grandeur at the national level, and athletes, sports organizations, coaches, and experts have been diligently working to ensure the event’s success. The national government has placed great importance on the development of the sports sector, which is evident from the extensive coverage in newspapers, sports programmes, and broadcasts, all showing the government’s commitment to enhancing sports in the country.
The national sports competitions were first held in 1992 in Yangon, and the second event was held in 1994, followed by the third event in 1997, also in Yangon. The fourth national sports competition was held in 2015 in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw. This year, in December 2024, the fifth national-level sporting event is being held again in Nay Pyi Taw, with athletes from various regions and states, as well as representatives from government ministries and departments, participating in the event.
The country’s administrative council has emphasized the importance of promoting the health and well-being of all citizens through sports. To achieve this, the government has been actively encouraging the participation of all people in sports, and there are various sports events organized throughout the country in line with the seasons. Additionally, government ministries, departments, universities, and schools regularly organize sports competitions to promote physical fitness and community engagement.
The national sports competition is not just a simple sporting event, but a highly significant national-level event. It is organized with high quality, systematically, and professionally, ensuring that the athletes’ participation is not only about sportsmanship but also about fulfilling their national duty. These competitions inspire love for the country, patriotism, and unity, fostering a sense of togetherness and collaboration. The sports events contribute to peace and harmony, providing an opportunity for citizens to come together for a common cause, and creating an environment where mutual respect and cooperation thrive, leading to a peaceful and prosperous nation.
In the past, Myanmar’s sports world was recognized across Southeast Asia and the wider Asian region for its remarkable achievements in various sports events. Myanmar’s involvement in the Asian Games and other regional sports competitions led to the country gaining recognition and prestige. Athletes from Myanmar proudly represented their nation, carrying the national flag with honour, and participating in competitions where they showcased great skill and determination. Myanmar’s athletes have earned significant respect for their hard work and achievements, and their dedication is widely remembered. Even as they faced challenges, their efforts in representing Myanmar in international sports competitions have made a lasting impact.
Renowned athletes from Myanmar and ethnic nationalities have excelled on the international stage, particularly in Southeast Asia (SEA Games) and Asian sports competitions, earning prestigious awards and recognition.
Notable names include Mi Tone Naw, Shin Bway Ghan, Gracikar, Khin Khin Htwe, Ma Khin Pu, May Thu, Jennifer Tin Lay, and Khin Than Nwe, known for their achievements in athletics. Bo Aye Ko, a celebrated champion, and swimmer Tin Maung Ni, a medallist in swimming. Than Than Swe, a sharpshooter, and Mya Aye, an expert in bar sports. Football champions such as Bogyi Ba Hadu, Ko Ko Gyi, Hla Kyi, Ba Pu, and Khin Maung Tun. (Many notable names of our athletes are still left.) These athletes, along with many other exceptional sportsmen and sportswomen, have brought pride to Myanmar and showcased the high caliber of Myanmar’s talent in Southeast Asia and Asian sports arenas.
As I was drafting this piece, I came across the news that Ye Htun Naing, representing Myanmar at the 15th World Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship held in the Maldives, achieved an extraordinary feat. Competing in the 75-kilogramme men’s bodybuilding category, he outperformed numerous international competitors to claim the first prize and the world champion title. This remarkable achievement filled me with immense pride and joy. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ye Htun Naing.
The State Administration Council Government has continued Myanmar’s tradition of honouring athletes who excel at international competitions by awarding medals of gold, silver, and bronze. Similarly, under previous governments, Myanmar athletes who achieved distinction in international competitions, including the Asian Games and Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, were recognized and celebrated at the national level for their remarkable contributions. These commendations highlight Myanmar’s ongoing commitment to honouring its outstanding athletes, past and present, who have brought glory to the nation through their skill and dedication.
The National-Level Sports Festival, marking its Fifth edition, are currently being held from 9 to 20 December 2024. This grand event brought together ethnic brothers and sisters from various regions and states across the country. Participants gathered in an atmosphere of camaraderie, mutual respect, and warm friendships. With a strong spirit of sportsmanship, the festival is showcasing the skills and abilities of athletes in a wide array of competitive sports, aiming to foster unity and excellence.
The development of sports is a reflection of a nation’s progress and the collective spirit of its people. It not only highlights the ability to excel but also fosters the growth of human resources, contributing to the comprehensive development of a country. Moreover, promoting sports serves to elevate the prestige of the nation and its people on both regional and global stages.
Sports also play a vital role in cultivating patriotism and strengthening national unity. By instilling these values, it contributes to the growth of a strong national spirit. Therefore, the advancement of sports should be prioritized alongside education to shape well-rounded individuals.
From an early age, students must be encouraged to engage actively not only in academics but also in sports. Parents and teachers have a crucial role to play in nurturing this balance, ensuring that young people develop the discipline, teamwork, and resilience that sports can provide. The Fifth National Sports Festival is now underway with great anticipation and success. To ensure active participation and outstanding achievements, athletes from various states and regions across the country are diligently participating in the competition.
As the festival is ongoing, athletes are competing and, showcasing their skills and determination. The grand opening ceremony, planned to be held with national-level prestige and grandeur, marked a significant milestone in Myanmar’s sports history. Organizing committees and various teams are currently working tirelessly, making all necessary arrangements to ensure the event’s smooth execution and ultimate success.
The opening and closing ceremonies of the inaugural National Sports Festival are well-planned with national-level grandeur and splendour. Students, performers, and officials from various departments participated and contributed to these events to ensure a flawless presentation. Similarly, preparations were also made for the hoisting of the national flag, as well as the flags of states and regions, which will take place at the Wunna Theikdi Sports Complex, the primary venue for the event.
Adding a spectacular touch to the opening ceremony, a team responsible for aerial displays used helicopters to deliver the flags into the stadium from the sky. This team also conducted rigorous training sessions to execute the task with precision and excellence.
The successful conclusion of the inaugural National Sports Festival, organized with national-level prestige, promises to leave a lasting legacy. State and regional departments that participated actively, alongside their athletes who achieved remarkable success, have yet to honour these achievements. This includes awarding recognition and opportunities for further development, supporting outstanding athletes, and fostering their continued progress in the sports arena.
This event serves as a stepping stone for athletes who will represent Myanmar in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in 2025 and other international competitions. It also provides an excellent platform for identifying and nurturing new generations of athletes from various states and regions, creating pathways for them to thrive on the global stage.
The festival, held at the Wunna Theikdi Sports Complex, showcased a vibrant celebration of sportsmanship, including grand opening and closing ceremonies. Athletes, students, artists, and officials have worked diligently to ensure its success, rehearsing tirelessly to deliver flawless performances. Highlights such as aerial displays with flags hoisted by helicopters added a touch of splendour to the ceremonies.
For sports-loving citizens of Myanmar, this festival is a source of immense pride and excitement. Spectators eagerly anticipate the opportunity to cheer on their favourite athletes and celebrate Myanmar’s sports culture and national unity. The festival stands as a beacon of progress, not only for sports but also for fostering national pride and solidarity.
Through meticulous planning and collective effort, the National Sports Festival promises to be a historic milestone, inspiring generations to pursue excellence and uphold the nation’s honour in the world of sports.

Source- The Global New Light of Myanmar

STEPPING into the vibrant world of Bassein Arts and Science College (now Pathein University) as a first-year student, I was eager to explore every new opportunity that came my way. From engaging lectures to a wide array of extracurricular activities, college life promised a wealth of experiences. Whether it was learning Japanese, trying my hand at Karate, or picking up a tennis racket for the first time, I was determined to make the most of it all. However, it was rowing that ultimately captured my heart.

This demanding yet rewarding sport quickly became my passion, symbolizing not just physical strength but the endurance of the mind and spirit. Little did I know, however, that unforeseen events would soon bring an abrupt and heartbreaking end to my rowing journey.

Everything in the new environment of Bassein Arts and Science College (now Pathein University) seemed exciting to me. It was my first time stepping into the college as a first-year student, and the atmosphere was full of new experiences. The lectures and practical work were captivating, but it wasn’t just the academics that drew my attention. The extracurricular activities were equally enticing, especially the Japanese language course, Karate training sessions in the evenings, and sports like tennis and rowing.

Some of my friends and I joined the Japanese language classes. These were taught by Saya U Saw Hlaing and Sayama Daw Cherry, both of whom had lived in Japan. The classes started at 4 pm and ended at 5 pm, and while we didn’t complete the course, the reason for dropping out escaped my memory. Perhaps it was the allure of another activity – the Karate training. I remember envying the students in their Karate uniforms, proudly displaying yellow, green, and black belts. Intrigued by their progress, one of my roommates and I decided to join the Karate course. However, we didn’t last long. Our instructor, Ko Myint Sein, a black-belt Karate master and final-year student at the time (later becoming a tutor in the Geography Department), was quite strict and often scolded us. After just a few days, we abandoned the training.

Before coming to college, I had been a badminton player in my hometown during my high school days. At Bassein College, I saw my two roommates, Ko Saw Lwin (from Pyay) and Ko Than Nyunt (from Okpo), both skilled tennis players. They owned tennis rackets and wore smart tennis uniforms as they headed to the court every evening. I was envious once again and thought I could easily pick up tennis since I had experience with badminton. One day, I joined them at the tennis court, eager to show my skills.

However, I quickly realized that playing tennis was not as easy as I had imagined. I could barely serve the ball across the net. To make matters worse, a group of girls from Myintzu Hall, whose windows overlooked the tennis court, laughed at my awkward attempts. That was the end of my tennis adventure.

Soon, my attention turned to the rowing club. Fortunately, Kan Thon Sint Lake, located right in front of the college, made rowing activities very accessible. The rowing club at Rangoon Arts and Science University (RASU) had shared four four-oared boats and other necessary equipment with us. I recall that the head of the rowing club was Saya U Minn Than Thaung, a lecturer from the Physics Department, while other trainers included Saya U Tun Hyke (Geography Department), Saya U Thein Win (Geology Department), Saya U Soe Myint (Botany Department), and Sayar U Thet Oo (Geology Department), who also happened to be our hall tutor.

Before we could get into the boats, we had to do hours of warmup exercises. Instead of rowing on the water, we were trained on fixed rowing machines, where the hours spent were carefully registered.

Only after completing a sufficient number of training hours were we allowed to step into the actual boats. These boats were Western-style four-oared vessels, and the rowing commands were all in English. Though my memory is a bit hazy, I still remember a few of the commands:

“Stand by, Crew!”

“One foot in!”

“In together!”

“Push away!”

“Toucher!”

“Next stroke, Row!”

“Harder!”

In rowing, the “Cox” is the leader who sits at the back, steering the boat and giving commands.

The crew consisted of four rowers, with the “Bow” being the rower farthest from the Cox and the “Stroke” sitting closest. I found the sport captivating, and within a month, I was rowing well. The tutors and trainers, all highly skilled, shared their knowledge generously, and I felt deeply committed to the sport.

The rowing club had a motto written above the entrance to the boat-keeping house: “Row Till You Are Dead.” I found it inspiring, as it symbolized the dedication and perseverance needed to excel in rowing. In this sport, unity is key – each crew member must synchronize their movements perfectly.

If even one rower is out of sync, the boat’s performance suffers, and the whole team can lose in a tournament.

There was a popular saying among university students about rowing: “If you don’t have a girlfriend, join the rowing and hiking clubs.” (မကြည်တောင်တက်၊ မရလှေလှော်) Although it was meant as a joke, I didn’t find any romance during my time at the rowing club, but that didn’t stop me from becoming a dedicated rower. I enjoyed every moment on the water.

Sayar U Min Than Thaung often gave some briefings about rowing to the new trainees. Some were forgotten, but some have been vivid in my mind up to now.

In Western-style boat rowing, the rowers have to follow a set of key disciplines to ensure smooth and efficient movement of the boat.

Some of the essential disciplines include: Unity and Synchronization: The most critical discipline in rowing is for all crew members to row in perfect unison. Each movement must be identical, from the timing of strokes to the power applied, to avoid disrupting the balance and speed of the boat.

Proper Technique: Rowers must maintain proper form and technique. This includes correct posture, grip, and stroke execution to maximize efficiency and minimize injury.

Endurance and Stamina: Rowing is physically demanding, requiring rowers to build their endurance and stamina to sustain high-intensity efforts over long distances without faltering.

Listening to Commands: The crew must strictly follow Cox’s commands. The Cox steers the boat and directs the crew’s actions, and rowers must respond immediately to instructions like “One foot in,” “In together,” “Next stroke Row,” and “Harder.”

Coordination of Power: The rowers need to balance power output, ensuring each stroke is forceful enough to propel the boat but not so uneven that it disrupts the boat’s glide.

Focus and Mental Toughness: Rowing requires sustained concentration, as distractions or loss of focus can break the rhythm.

Rowers must also have mental resilience, especially during long or competitive races. These disciplines combine to create the precision and teamwork required in Western boat rowing, where even a small deviation by one crew member can affect the entire boat’s performance.

However, 1975 brought unexpected misfortune. In that year, a major crisis hit Rangoon Arts and Science University (RASU), forcing all universities and colleges in the country to close.

We were all sent home for what turned out to be a long holiday of several months. When the situation eventually calmed down, the authorities decided to reopen the universities and colleges.

But bad luck struck again, this time in the form of a devastating cyclone. On 7 May 1975, a powerful cyclone with winds reaching 120 miles per hour tore through the Ayeyawady Division. It caused widespread destruction, blowing off roofs and collapsing buildings, including many at our college. The rowing club’s boat-keeping house was utterly destroyed, along with all the boats inside.

That storm marked the end of our beloved rowing club. The boats were gone, and with them, my dreams of rowing till the end.

The motto above the entrance, “Row Till You Are Dead,” still resonated with me, but circumstances had changed everything. I wanted to row for as long as I lived, but life had other plans.

The devastation of the cyclone not only swept away the boats but also took with it a piece of my spirit. The motto “Row Till You Are Dead,” which had once inspired me to push beyond my limits, now felt like a bittersweet memory, a reminder of the dreams that circumstances had taken away. Yet, despite the tragic end to my rowing journey, the lessons I learned – unity, perseverance, and mental toughness – stayed with me. Life, much like rowing, is unpredictable and filled with storms, but the discipline to endure remains. Though I could no longer row on the waters of Kan Thon Sint Lake, the resilience it had instilled in me continued to steer my life’s course. While the boats may be gone, the spirit of rowing lives on in my heart, reminding me that sometimes the journey matters more than the destination.

(This article is written in honour of the Bassein College Rowing Club.)

Source- The Global New Light of Myanmar