Impact on Sports Sector : Damages of sports facilities in Mandalay and Sagaing

Chairman of the Myanmar Olympic Committee, Union Minister for Sport and Youth Affairs Jeng Phang Naw Taung visted the 2,000-spectator facility Mandalar Thiri multi-sport arena in Chan Mya Thazi Township, Mandalay Region on 10 April. 

During the tour, he encouraged the staff and provided cash assistance to employees. He also inspected the damages at the stadium such as callapsed mirrors and cracks along the walls of the stadium and boxing hall caused by the powerful Mandalay earth quake on 28 March. 

 After the inspection, he gave necessary instructions for rehabilitation needs. Furthermore, the Union Minister proceeded to Mandala Thiri Football Ground and inspected the damages of stadium entrances, spectators' seating area, dress changing room, stadium basement and roof facilities.

After observing the damages, he urged efforts to remove debris, systematic storage of setting materials, and renovation works through coordination with the technical experts and professionals from the Ministry of Construction. 

Similarly, the Union Minister conducted a visit to the Mandalay Football Academy under the Myanmar Football Federation in Chan Mya Thazi Township and viewed the damages of the buildings. At Chan Mya Thazi Sports Grounds, the Union Minister assessed the extent of the damages of the office room, staff housing, and water tank. 

Subsequently, the Union Minister arrived at the Sagaing District Sports Ground, where he inspected the damages caused by the earthquake to various facilities, including the futsal ground, 2,000-gallon water tank, brick walls, entrance gates, athlete dormitories, staff housings, and spectator seating areas.

During the Sagaing tour, the Union Minister met the service personnel from the Sports and Physical Education Department and presented food and households utensils. 

Subsequently, the Union Minister arrived at the District Sports and Physical Education Department office, where he inspected the damages caused by the earthquake, including the destruction of the office building, the collapse of the table-tennis court and gym, as well as the District Sports Complex, the placement of rescue equipment, and the damage of fencing at the Township football field. 

He then addressed issues related to clearing the debris, systematically storing of equipment, as well as the repairs and restoration works. During the inspection, the Union Minister observed the living conditions of the Myanmar Police Force who are carrying out rescue and debris-clearing operations in Sagaing, and gave words of encouragement to them.