Daw Aung San Suu Kyi hails Myanmar’s SEA Games athletes

August 22, 2017

State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday expressed her support to Myanmar athletes competing in the 2017 SEA Games currently being held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, despite some inconveniences during the competition of South-East Asian nations.

In a message released yesterday, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said she congratulated the Myanmar men’s football team, which was able to advance to the semi-finals despite a loss against Malaysia.

“The Myanmar U-22 men’s soccer team was defeated by the host team at the group’s last match on 21st August, but it was a great honour for us as Myanmar would progress to the semi-final. The whole nation is encouraging you with great expectations”, the statement read.

“It is natural that sometimes we win and sometimes we get a learning experience. The greatest reward is to be able to apply physical strength, wisdom and bravery after accumulating new strength and renewed spirits, in the coming matches by reviewing these lessons. I would like you all to lay stress on making efforts to show your best calibre in the midst of the audience with light spirits and well-rested bodies. Our people will also continue to encourage your best efforts”.

The 2017 SEA Games, however, have not been without incidents that have sidetracked the efforts of the athletes. On Monday, the vehicle transporting the Myanmar squash team was involved in an accident in which one male player and two female players were injured. The male athlete was only slightly injured and was able to compete. The two female players had to concede their next match, but will be able to participate in later matches, the statement said.

“It has been learnt that the two sportswomen will be able to participate in the games after a few days of rest. This was a great relief for us” the State Counsellor said in her statement.

In another incident, the Myanmar women’s football team had to wait several hours after their win over Malaysia on 17 August after it was learnt that the bus driver did not have a valid license. “Taking part in the games while representing the motherland, individual skills, good training, good spirit, and team unity are needed. At the same time, it gives us the opportunity to show the civility and dignity of the athletes of the participating country”, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said in her statement. “The State and its people are hoping that all of you will be able to uplift our national dignity by exerting your utmost efforts with sporting spirit and ethical sporting behavior, spirit of justice, fairness, purity and noble spirit”.

GNLM

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar