Sports Sector : Martial Arts Tournament and Training for SEA Games

The 2025 Region/ State Martial Arts (Thaing) Tournament commenced on Friday at the National Indoor Stadium (1), Thuwunna in Yangon. Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, and Hotels and Tourism, and Chairman of the Myanmar Olympic Committee, Jeng Phang Naw Taung, attended the opening ceremony.

The event is organized in collaboration with region/state governments and the Myanmar Thaing Federation to promote traditional martial arts and develop a new generation of athletes. In his opening speech, the Union Minister emphasized the cultural and historical significance of Thaing as a traditional Myanmar martial art, rooted in national heritage and identity.

He called on youth and sports professionals to preserve and promote the art, free from foreign influence, and to nurture it with unity and discipline. The Union Minister also highlighted that Myanmar’s Thaing athletes had achieved great success in past Southeast Asian Games, starting from 1995, and stressed the importance of training and competing with determination, national pride, and sportsmanship.

After the oath-taking ceremony by the athletes, the Union Minister and Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein greeted participants and presented a cash award to the performing teams. They also enjoyed the first match of the men’s Vandoe (short stick fighting) competition.

In the evening, the Union Minister visited training venues of national teams preparing for the 33rd SEA Games, including the Myanmar Cricket Federation, Sepak Takraw training center, Wushu training hall, and archery grounds in Tamwe Township. He encouraged athletes to train systematically, follow international standards, maintain discipline, and strive to win medals and raise Myanmar's flag on the international stage. Cash assistance were also provided to athletes during the visit.