Nay Pyi Taw, January 16
“Sports promotion and achievements uplift the nation’s dignity and also amount to safeguarding the nation. The success in sports indicates the level of national progress and reputation of the race.Likewise, the sports success of Tatmadaw members also proves the high level of dignity and prowess of the Tatmadaw. Hence, Tatmadaw(Army, Navy and Air) sports meets are being held annually with the aim of turning outstanding athletes of the Tatmadaw into new generation sportsmen and sportswomen who bring honour to the nation,” said Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) sports meet held at Zeyathiri Tatmadaw Sports Ground in Nay Pyi Taw this evening.
Present on the occasion were Senior General Min Aung Hlaing,Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Union Minister for Defence Lt-Gen Sein Win and wife, Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Mya Tun Oo and wife, senior military officers of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and their wives, the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command and wife, officers, other ranks and families of office/department of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army,Navy and Air), senior officer trainees of the National Defence College,officers, other ranks and families of battalions and units under the Nay Pyi Taw Command, trainees of Defence Services Football Academy,invited guests and the athletes.
Under the agenda, the military band representing Defence Services(Army, Navy and Air) entered on the paradeground and took position. The State flag team led by the parade commander and the athletes from 17 sport teams also took position on the parade ground.
When the opening ceremony of Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) Sports Meet was announced,Adjutant General Lt-Gen Hsan Oo,Chairman of Tatmadaw Sports and Physical Education Administrative Committee and Maj-Gen Myint Maw, Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command cut the ribbons to release the hot balloons bearing the words of opening ceremony.
Afterwards, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing made a speech, saying sport means some kind of the skill competition reflecting fitness of a race or a country, perseverance, diligence and unity. The sport can give benefits such as organizing skill, revitalization of nationalism capable of taking pride of State prestige, and sportsmanship spirit.According to the motto “Enhancement of sport is to safeguard the State”,it is required to safeguard the State while trying to achieve success in the sports practically on the ground.Myanma traditional martial art is a game showing strong spirit of Myanmar people, bravery, and fitness.Tatmadaw is trying to support defence power by giving lecture on Myanma traditional martial art at Tatmadaw sports academies.Myanmar’s martial art, as a sport,State defence art or a way of the country’s culture, is being promoted for the dignity of the State and the people. It is necessary to try hard to become good sportsmen on whom the State can rely through sports events of the Tatmadaw(Army, Navy and Air).Victory in the sports field indirectly contributes to national development.Through the efforts of Tatmadawmen,it is required to promote the image of the Tatmadaw and the State. They must try to become good soldiers who value discipline and fair play by upholding perseverance,courage and unyielding spirit.
After the opening ceremony,the final match of the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy (A Level) football tourney took place and Nay Pyi Taw Command Headquarters played against the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army).The latter won 2-1 with golden goals.
Fourteen sports competitions of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) to be held until 28 January are football, boxing, Sepak Takaraw, track and field (male/female), disabled sports, Chinloon,volleyball (male/female),Judo (male/female), swimming (male/female), weight lifting and body building, wushu, karataedo,Myanmar’s martial art and Taekwondo.
