Myanmar make a big statement with spectacular Games
The return of the Southeast Asian Games to Myanmar after 44 years has proved a resounding success though it is still early days and the biennial sporting spectacle is ending only on December 22.
Myanmar have been participating in the Games since 1959 and have hosted the event, formerly known as the South East Asian Peninsular Games, in 1961 and 1969, both times in the then country’s capital Rangoon.
The 27th episode last Wednesday in the 30,000-seater Wunna Theikdi Stadium in Nay Pyi Taw was something spectacular for its firework display and also the captivating performances of the country’s artistes. It not only provided a taste of Myanmar culture to the outside world but also issued a statement that the country has come of age after years of isolation because of military rule. It surely must have whetted the appetites of many potential tourists to the country.
It’s incredible that Myanmar and importantly Nay Pyi Taw, often described as a ghost town, could put on such an extraordinary opening ceremony. It should be of great pride to the people of Myanmar that they have joined the rest of the world through hosting the Games.
No doubt, Myanmar are sparing no effort to make the Games a success. Some of the credit should go to China. China assisted Myanmar in athletes’ training, game management, supplying training and competition equipment and conduct of opening and closing ceremonies.
China dispatched 28 coaches to work in Myanmar for one year, and took 176 Myanmar athletes from 11 sports to undergo a 90-day intensive training. Chinese experts assisted Myanmar in designing and executing the opening ceremony in grand style by bringing light-and-sound system, stage equipment, fireworks and wiring.
China also dispatched about 700 experts that included coaches, game managers, stage designers and technicians to Myanmar to work with the Ministries of Culture and Sport.
Myanmar have not finished on top of the table since 1969. They claimed a paltry 16 gold in Indonesia two years ago. This time, they have set an ambitious target of 100 gold medals. The hopes, therefore, are high because of the addition of several traditional sports and shunting out of Olympic sports such as tennis and gymnastics where the hosts do not have a chance. The move has come in for criticism but then almost every country is guilty of doing the same when they got the opportunity.
Myanmar have got an opportunity to showcase themselves and I, for one, would not be surprised if they defy all odds and capture the overall Games crown.
