Opening ceremony of NSF: SAC Chairman and wife graced the ceremony

The opening ceremony of the 5th National Sports Festival 2024 is being held at the Wunna Theikdi Sports Stadium in Nay Pyi Taw at (5 pm) today on 9th December.

First, the Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla graced the opening ceremony, planted Gantgaw tree marked the 5th National Sports Festival.

The opening ceremony began with the Free-Fall squad carrying the National Sports Festival flag, Nay Pyi Taw Council/regions and states flags and landing in the Wunna Theikdi Sports Stadium and giving their salute to the SAC Chairman Prime Minister.

Next, the performances by popular artistes and musicians, lighting show, opening the ceremony with countdown and beautiful fireworks, traditional dance, taking position of sports teams represented ministries, Nay Pyi Taw Council, Regions and States, carrying National flag and National Sports Festival flag, raising them to the masthead and giving salute were conducted. The Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivered an opening speech.

In his opening speech, the Chairman of the State Administration Council, the Prime Minister, emphasized that to achieve human resource benefits for the country, one of the nine objectives set by the government is the " To elevate the health and sports sectors inclusive of all the people, improving the longevity and health of the nation." He stressed that this should be prioritized and implemented.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the goal of this national sports event is to "advance the country's sports standards, enable participation and success in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and other international sports competitions, foster the emergence of top athletes and promising young athletes who can bring honor to the nation, strengthen unity and cooperation among states, regions, and ministries, and increase public interest and participation in sports activities."

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to all the responsible persons, the sports federations, athletes, and artists involved in this event, including those from literature, music, film, and theatrical associations, as well as the students who contributed. He also mentioned that athletes and teams have prepared to compete with all their skill, strength, resilience, tactics, and spirit, and encouraged them to uphold the honor of sportsmanship and the culture of sports. He concluded by officially opening the 5th National Sports Festival.

After that, Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman U Than Tun Oo lit the ceremonial torch for the 2024 Fifth National Sports Festival, which was then handed over to Myanmar's national athlete, Police Captain Aung Cho Myint, a sports representative.

The torch procession proceeded with the national races following, and the torch was carried from City Hall to the Wunna Theiddhi Sports Stadium. The torchbearers of national sports selections followed the planned route and lit the flame at the top of the eastern corner of the stadium. Following this, athletes and senior referees recited the oath of sportsmanship, and the flag bearers and participating athletes exited the field.

At the third part of the ceremony, the SAC Chairman Prime Minister and wife, along with other attendees, enjoyed performances, including song performances and other entertainment performed by the artistes and students.

In the final symbolic act of the ceremony, fireworks were launched to mark the success of the opening of the 2024 5th National Sports Festival, and the SAC Chairman Prime Minister and wife waved goodbye to the event attendees.

The first National Sports Festival was held in Yangon in 1992 featuring 22 sports, while the second time in 1994 in Yangon with 24 sports, the third time in 1997 in Yangon with 29 sports, the fourth in Nay Pyi Taw in 2015 with 27 sports, and the fifth is being featured 23 sports at region and state level, six sports at ministries level and four para sports from 9 to 20 December.