ATHLETES from Yangon Region are undergoing rigorous training in preparation for the Fifth National Sports Festival, which will be held in Nay Pyi Taw from 9 to 20 November.
"We have conducted competitions in billiards and snooker, selecting three billiards players, five from 9-ball, and a total of eight athletes. Training takes place twice a day," said coach U Myint Soe. "I am a billiard player in taking training four hours a day. I'm striving to become a nationally selected player through the national sport festival. I chose billiards because it allows players of all ages to participate. To bring honour to Yangon Region, good health and regular practice are essential for achieving the best results. Events like this national competition help players excel and allow them to compete in international tournaments," said billiards player Ko Aung Naing Soe.
Maung Aung Khant, a table tennis player, shared that he has been practising the sport since he was in primary school. "I enjoy this sport and have participated in many domestic and international competitions, winning several medals. I am aiming to bring a medal to Yangon Region at the national competition. If I get the chance to compete in international tournaments, I will keep striving to improve," he said. In September, Yangon Region selected six male and five female athletes as the best in the region’s national competition. Training began on 1 October and was held twice a day. "For the national sports competition, we will compete in men's, women's and mixed events. Yangon Region athletes have already won the Champions in fourth previous competitions," said the sports officer Thakayta Township Sports and Physical Education Department, Daw Khin Kaung San. Athletes from Yangon Region will compete in 24 sports events at the Fifth National Sports Festival. — Arkar Linn/KZL
