BARCELONA announced on Wednesday their long-awaited return to the new Camp Nou for a 10 August friendly after years of work to expand and modernise the iconic stadium.
The traditional pre-season Joan Gamper Trophy match will only mark the stadium's partial reopening, with construction work continuing in various areas, the current Spanish champions said in a statement.
This includes the completion of the new third tier, the dual VIP ring, the roof installation, interior spaces and development of the stadium's surrounding area.
The Catalan giants have not confirmed the initial capacity, but local media reported that the available stands can hold 35,000 fans. "Barcelona takes a symbolic and emotional step into the future, reclaiming its home in a new era that will culminate with the complete inauguration of the new stadium," the club said.
Barca will have another month to continue work on the stadium after requesting to play their first three La Liga games of the upcoming season away from home. — AFP

Source: GNLM

To mark International Yoga Day, over 300 MPT staff from across the country participated in the second annual “TeamFit: Unite and Move” yoga wellness activity. The event was held online during the third week of June 2025 and included staff from various regions and states.
This yoga event aims to promote collaboration within the organization, foster a positive work-life balance and encourage healthy and active lifestyles. As part of the broader “TeamFit: Unite and Move” programme, which began in 2024, MPT has also organized activities such as yoga, Zumba, and futsal competitions for its employees. These efforts are intended to support the physical and mental well-being of staff.
Mr Naoki Shimane, from the Operations Department of MPT-KSGM Joint Operations, stated, “Our employees’ well-being is essential to a healthy working environment and efficient day-to-day operations. That is why we launched the “TeamFit: Unite and Move” programme in 2024, encouraging active participation nationwide. Following the positive response to our first yoga event, we continued with the second edition to further support our staff’s physical and mental health”.
MPT remains committed to promoting the importance of health and wellness among its employees and continues to implement staff wellness and social responsibility programmes to build a unified and strong organization. — Oktha/KZL

Source: GNLM

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, flagged off the Olympic Day Run from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday. Rekha Gupta said, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation is continuously progressing towards better sports infrastructure and facilities for athletes.

The Chief Minister also said that Delhi and the entire country are fully prepared to host the 2036 Olympic Games. Later, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, led the Fit India Sunday on Cycle campaign, promoting fitness and environmental awareness.

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Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Jeng Phang Naw Taung, along with the Deputy Minister and officials, visited the sports teams, undergoing training for the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Nay Pyi Taw on Saturday. They observed the training sessions of athletes in Petanque, weightlifting and boxing.

The Union Minster also instructed the managers and coaches to provide nutritious foods under the guidance of the medical experts. He also stressed the need to provide necessary training equipment for effectiveness.

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Myanmar’s national men’s football team defeated Pakistan 1-0 in the 2027 Asian Cup third qualifying round Group E second match held on 10 June at Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon.
This victory marked Myanmar’s second consecutive win in the third round, boosting hopes for advancing. Myanmar won both home matches against Afghanistan and Pakistan. Over 30,000 passionate Myanmar football fans filled Thuwunna Stadium to cheer for the team, which secured three points.
Despite some injured players, Myanmar’s lineup included the main players, including Hein Htet Aung, Maung Maung Lwin and Than Paing. Myanmar played aggressively from the start, while Pakistan responded strongly, aiming to score. Myanmar’s only goal came in 41 minutes from Than Paing, giving Myanmar the lead, which they maintained until the final whistle. The second half saw substitutions and attacking efforts from both sides, but the score remained unchanged.
Myanmar currently holds six points from two matches in Group E, while Pakistan has lost both matches without scoring. Myanmar will face Syria away on 9 October in their third group match. — KZL

GNLM

WITH efforts by the Myanmar Boxing Commission (MBC), the national flag of Myanmar is now included on the championship belts awarded by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF).
Formed in 2024 with the approval of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, the Myanmar Boxing Commission has since organized professional boxing matches locally and facilitated the participation of Myanmar boxers in international bouts, including WBC-sanctioned events in Japan and OPBF matches in Thailand.
In February 2025, the WBC and its affiliate OPBF, which recognize over 160 member countries, officially accepted MBC as a member nation. As a result, Myanmar’s national flag is now represented on their championship belts.
WBC is one of the four major global sanctioning bodies in professional boxing, alongside WBA, WBO and IBF. With MBC’s acceptance into WBC, the other three major bodies have also formally recognized Myanmar as a member, paving the way for the country’s flag to be featured on future belts across all affiliated organizations. — Arkar Linn/KZL

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

About 38,000 athletes have taken part in the 2025 Tokyo Marathon, one of the nation's largest marathon races.

Members of the public who won a lottery were allowed to participate in Sunday's event. Elite runners from both Japan and abroad were also invited. The race started from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building in Shinjuku at around 9 a.m.

A runner in his 50s from Saitama Prefecture said he has taken part in races across the nation, but this is his first Tokyo Marathon thanks to his good luck in the lottery. He said his goal is to complete the race without injury supported by cheers from spectators along the route.

A woman in her 40s from Osaka said the appeal of this event is to be able to run through popular sights of central Tokyo. She said she is looking forward to seeing the Senso-ji temple and the Tokyo Skytree.

The route took runners to Asakusa, Ginza and other iconic spots of the Japanese capital and finished in front of Tokyo Station. People along the route cheered on the runners, and many of them responded by waving their hands.

The runners smiled as they crossed the finish line. A woman in her 50s from Kanagawa Prefecture said it was a little bit hot, but the onlookers encouraged her and she enjoyed the race.

A Tokyo resident in his 60s said he is determined to keep running into his 70s and 80s.

Traffic has been restricted in a wide area around the marathon route. Some roads will be closed to traffic as late as 9 p.m.

Source : NHK

MYANMAR nationals won four first prizes in the Muse-Ruili Cross-border Marathon, according to a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar.
T h e 2 0 2 4 M y a n m a r Muse-China Ruili Cross-border Marathon was held in Ruili on 5 January. A total of 9,029 athletes from countries including China, Myanmar, and the UK participated in the competition, which was categorized into four classes —marathon, half marathon, leisure, and warm and comfortable. In the competition, Myanmar nationals won four first prizes — Maung Myo Min Htet in the full marathon men’s race, Ma Htet Yan Pyae Oo in the full marathon women’s race, Zaw Khaing in the half marathon men’s race, and Ma Aye Aye Thein in the women’s half marathon.
The race started at the museum in Ruili and ended at the same museum after going round the border post 81 at the Palace Gate in Myanmar. The Myanmar participants in this race were also awarded Pauk Phaw awards to further enhance the friendship between the two countries and promote goodwill ties. — Htun Htun/ZN

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

ON 18 December, Myanmar clinched their first victory in the 2024 ASEAN Cup Group B stage with a 3-2 triumph over Laos at Thuwunna Youth Training Centre. This marked both Myanmar’s first win in the tournament and head coach U Myo Hlaing Win’s debut international victory. Myanmar initially led 1-0 through Lwin Moe Aung’s header in 32 minutes but conceded two goals in the second half, falling behind 2-1. However, striker Win Naing Tun’s crucial goals in 87 minutes and during stoppage time ensured the dramatic win. The Myanmar squad, including Zin Nyi Nyi Aung in goal and key players like Heine Phyo Win, Nanda Kyaw, and Si Thu Aung, started with a balanced lineup. After making substitutions in the first 20 minutes to strengthen their attack, Myanmar created several chances but failed to capitalise in the early stages. Laos managed to equalize and take the lead with goals from Sovanny in 77 minutes and Vamparsath in 81 minutes. With four points from three matches, Myanmar will play their final group-stage match away against Vietnam on 21 December. 

Source: GNLM

Promoting Sports: A Defence and Safeguard for the Nation

SENIOR General Min Aung Hlaing noted that the successful sports achievements that have the potential to raise Myanmar’s State flag to the top in international competitions significantly enhance the nation’s pride and dignity while elevating the country’s status.
State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the Fifth National Sports Festival 2024 at Wunna Theikdi Stadium in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday evening. In his speech, the Senior General underscored the notion that ‘promoting sports is akin to defending and safeguarding the nation’ represents the highest principle.

He highlighted that it is necessary for the entire population, including students, youth, and persons with disabilities, to actively participate in the process of implementing programmes that transition from mass sports to excellent sports, aiming to nurture outstanding athletes.
He emphasized that the successful sports achievements that have the potential to raise Myanmar’s State flag to the top in international competitions significantly enhance the nation’s pride and dignity while elevating the country’s status. Hence, it is emphasized that all citizens should actively collaborate in promoting the sports sector.
He continued to say that the government is making efforts to appropriately enhance the recognition and rewards, including cash awards, for national athletes who have won prestigious prizes in international competitions.
Moreover, the Senior General disclosed that the government is providing monthly allowances and honorary titles to veteran athletes who have once brought glory to the nation. As such, he urged athletes participating in the sports festival to strive for success, and aim to become nationally selected players in order to bring pride to the country.
By including sports in the scoring system, he added, the government manages to facilitate outstanding student-athletes to attend sports and physical education institutes, and awarding sports scholarships.
The Senior General stressed that the Ministry of Education should implement plans to encourage every student and youth to participate in various sports, organize a sports calendar, and systematically arrange annual competitions from the basic education level to college and university levels.
He pointed out that only then will the integration of sports and education-related activities become smoother, leading to the emergence of a new generation of athletes and supporting the continuous development of sustainable sports development of the nation. He urged entire people including student youths and people with disabilities to join the process of upgrading the mass sports level to an excellent sports level. In Myanmar, he explained that it is necessary to organize sports competitions for students and youth in the coming years, as well as inter-ministerial competitions and advanced sports events. These should be included in the sports calendar, and efforts must be made to enhance the level of Myanmar’s sports.
The Senior General stressed the need to systematically train and prepare outstanding athletes who emerge from various competitions, in order to develop Myanmar’s top athletes capable of competing in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and international competitions.
After the Senior General delivered a speech, fireworks were displayed to mark the festival’s opening ceremony. At the opening ceremony, paratroopers from the free-fall squad, carrying the flag of the National Sports Festival along with regional and state flags, landed on the ground and saluted the Senior General.
The renowned singer Htoo L Linn sang the song “Our Myanmar, a modern nation”. A lighting show was presented to accompany a traditional Myanmar orchestra and musical instruments, with music played in a lively and rhythmic fashion. The event continued with a grand opening, during which fireworks were launched. The Fine Arts Department under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education under the Ministry of Education, presented the song “Beautiful, Beloved Golden Myanmar”, with a performance.
After the State Military Band took the position in the stadium, the sports contingents from ministries, regions and states led by the flag bearers took the positions in the stadium. They hoisted the State flag and saluted it.
Veteran selection athletes conveyed the flag of the National Sports Festival into the stadium. Chairman of the National Sports Fes-
tival U Than Tun Oo ignited the torch to mark the festival and handed it over to Myanmar’s selected player Police Major Aung Cho Myint. The decorated float bearing the torch flanked by ethnic national people headed from the City Hall to Wunna Theikdi Stadium. Selected athletes relayed the torch along the designated route and ignited it at the dais in front of the grandstand. At that moment, the commemorative torch, positioned at the southeast corner of the stadium, was also ignited.
On behalf of athletes and referees, an athlete and a referee took Sports oaths and the flag bearers and athletes left the stadium. The Senior General and his wife, and dignitaries enjoyed choral dances representing six eras of Myanmar performed by artistes from the Fine Arts Department, demonstrated entertainment and songs by members from the Myanmar Paralympic Sports Federation, students from Nay Pyi Taw State Technical High School, Myanmar Motion Pictures Organization, Myanmar Chinlone Federation, Myanmar The atrical Association, Myanmar Comedians’ Association, students from University for Development of National Races, and Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree College, performances of students from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The fireworks were displayed to mark the successful completion of the opening ceremony of the National Sports Festival.
The Senior General and his wife waved to the attendees and cordially greeted the veteran athletes and artistes. Also present at the ceremony were SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win and his wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Council
Secretary General Aung Lin Dwe and his wife, Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo and his wife, council members and their wives, union ministers, union-level dignitaries and their wives, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Command er-in-Chief, the commander of the Nay Pyi Taw Command, deputy ministers, Olympic Committee members, presidents and officials of sports federations, guests, athletes and sports fans.
The first National Sports Festival was held in Yangon from 3 to 16 May 1992 with 22 sports events, the second in Yangon from 25 January to 6 February 1994 with 24 sports events, the third in Yangon from 11 to 24 January 1997 with 29 sports events, and the fourth in Nay Pyi Taw from 13 to 28 February 2015 with 27 sports events.
In 2024, the Fifth National Sports Festival is being held on a grand scale to aim at enhancing the nation’s sports standards, achieving success in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and other international competitions, and turning out outstanding athletes and new-generation athletes who can bring national honour, fostering greater collaboration and unity between regions, states, and ministries in order to further promote sports activities and stipulating public interest in sports to join in sports activities. The festival is in progress with six sports at the ministerial level and 23 sports at the regional and state level as well as four sports for athletes with disabilities, totalling 33, starting from early December. The para-sports events were held from 5 to 8 December. And, ministerial and regional and state level sports competitions are being held. — MNA/TTA

Source- The Global New Light of Myanmar