25th SEA Games, Laos

The 25th edition of the SouthEast Asian Games came to a spectacular end tonight where in true ASEAN spirit, songs from all participating countries marked the beginning of the closing ceremony at the Main Stadium. And as government leaders and VIP Guests slowly trickled into the gathering pace of songs, the marching in of the SEA Games flag began making their way into the stadium to the pace of the Laos Police Band. Athletes and officials in their different multi-coloured costumes but all in celebratory mood were then paraded in just prior to the giving of the official closing ceremony speech by the Laos Deputy Prime Minister, His Excellency Somsavat Lengsavad.

The flags of hosts Laos and also that of the SEA Games were lowered before the SEA Games flag was handed to the delegates from Indonesia to make their taking over of the next hosting job in 2011. That marked the start of the official cultural and artistic performance beginning with the 'Paddy Thrash Dance'.

Then came an ensemble of Laotian favourites of the 'Lao New Year' dance, the 'Rocket Festival' dance, the 'Boat Racing Festival' dance and which culminates in the 'Gather Together Again' dance - a performance from the delegation from Indonesia.

A spectacular display of fireworks to light the night sky then marked the end of the official closing ceremony and also a fabulous chapter to the 25th edition of the SEA Games when Laos played hosts to an incident-free meet.

SEAG

Photo: Khamla Xayavong is delighted with her gold medal and a new SEA Games record.

Khamla Xayavong, 21, made sporting history for Laos after she won a gold medal on Saturday in the women's 10m running target shooting event.

Her gold medal is not only the first ever for Laos in shooting, but her score of 367.0 set a new SEA Games record. The previous highest score in this event was 358.0.

The gold medal is a wonderful present for Khamla as she approaches her 22nd birthday on December 30.

“I am very excited and happy to win this gold medal, which I hoped to win because I trained hard since earlier this year,” Khamla said.

Other records were set at the shooting range on Saturday.

Linn Aung from Myanmar won the men's 50m rifle prone event with 695.40 points (previous SEA Games record 592.0 points). Aung Nyein Ni also from Myanmar took the silver medal in the same event with 694.70 points (previous SEA Games record 592.0 points).

On Fri day, Tanyaporn Prucksakorn won the women's 10m air pistol event with 483.0 points (previous SEA Games record 481.5 points).

In the swimming pool, the Singaporean team set a new record in the women's 100m freestyle with a time of 03:45:73, beating the previous record of 03:51.86 set at the 24th SEA Games in Thailand in 2007.

Cai Lin Khoo of Malaysia won the women's 400m freestyle with a time of 04:10.75. The previous SEA Games record was 04:18.20.

Huu Viet Nguyen of Vietnam took gold in the men's 100m breaststroke with a time of 01:01.60, besting the previous SEA Games record of 01:01.92.

Yi Ting Siow of Malaysia won the women's 100m breaststroke, setting a new record of 01:09.82. The previous SEA Games record was 01:01.15.

Daniel Bego of Malaysia took gold in the men's 100m freestyle with a time of 00:50.16, shaving less than one second off the previous SEA Games record of 00:50.80.

In the men's 100m breaststroke Indra Gunawan of Indonesia took gold with a time of 01:02:59, breaking the previous SEA Games record of 01:02.96.

Other swimming records tumbled on Thursday. In the women's 100m freestyle Ting Wen Quah of Singapore set a time of 00:56.03, beating the previous SEA Games record of 00:56.05).

In the women's 200m individual medley Yi Ting Siow of Malaysia set a record of 02:14.57, breaking the previous SEA Games record of 2:17.17.

In the women's 200m freestyle the Singaporean team won in a time of 08:11.75, significantly cutting down on the time of 8:20.77 set previously.



By Sisay Vilaysack
Vientianetimes

Laos won its first gold medal in the men's singles poomsae (dancing style) taekwondo event at the Booyong Gymnasium at the National University of Laos yesterday.


Gold medallist Soukthavy Panyasit outside the Booyong Gymnasium.

At only 15 years of age, Soukthavy Panyasit won the medal in his first ever competition for the national taekwondo team in front of over 400 spectators.

Soukthavy, from Somsanouk village in Thakhaek district, Khammuan province, began training in taekwondo three years ago and showed sufficient promise to be selected by the Lao Taekwondo Federation for the SEA Games.

Soukthavy Panyasit and Soukthavone Manirard also won silver medals in the men's team poomsae event.

Soukthavy expressed his pride at winning the first gold medal for Laos and explained that he and his team-mates had gained much strength and confidence during a three month training course in the Republic of Korea in the lead up to the games. The team trained for five hours each day.

In the women's poomsae singles Kidavone Philavong from Xieng Khuang province won a silver medal for Laos .

This is the first SEA Games to feature the poomsae event, which consists of singles and team categories.

Lao taekwondo fighters won one silver and five bronze medals at the 24th SEA Games in Thailand in 2007.

During training in the Republic of Korea , the Lao taekwondo team competed in the Korean Open at the National University of Seoul, with two fighters winning gold medals in the poomsae event.

At the current SEA Games 135 fighters from 11 countries are competing in the taekwondo competition, which features both poomsae and fighting events.

Results of Wednesday's poomsae events :



Men's singles:

Soukthavy Panyasit ( Laos ): gold.

San Shein Thet ( Myanmar ): silver.

Daniel Danny Harsono ( Indonesia ) and Cheat Khemara ( Cambodia ): bronze.

Women's singles:

Ya Min K-khine ( Myanmar ): gold.

Kidavone Philavong ( Laos ): silver.

Lee Jeng Yen ( Malaysia ) and Lessitra Draningrati ( Indonesia ): bronze.



Men's team:

Vietnam : gold.

Laos : silver.

The Philippines and Thailand : bronze.

Women's team:

The Philippines : gold.

Thailand : silver.

Vietnam and Indonesia : bronze.

Mixed pairs:

Vietnam : gold.

Thailand : silver.

The Philippines and Myanmar : bronze.





By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong

Vientianetimes

Photo: Lao fans enjoy their home team’ victory
(photo: Vnexpress)

Nhan Dan Online- Lamnao Singto’s brace helped hosts Laos trounce Indonesia 2-0 in an attractive game at Chao Anuvong stadium today.

This is a first victory for Laos at the 25th SEA Games, paving the way for young Lao footballers to reach the semi-finals.

Laos started confidently and brought pressure to bear on Indonesia. In the 22nd minute Kaysone powerful shot was saved by Indonesian goalkeeper Irawan. In the 32nd minute, Sayavuthi’s strike hit the crossbar.

In a counter attack, Yudi had a chance to score but his header was blocked by Laos defender in front of the goal.

After the break, Indonesia played better, intensifying their attacks but could not breach Laos solid defence.

In the 63rd minute Toni Sucipto’s free-kick shot was over the Lao crossbar. Four minutes later Laos took the lead when Lamnao Singto scored the opener from Sayavuthi’s cross. The goal made 20,000 Lao fans at the stadium exhilirous. It was Lamnao Singto who easily scored the second goal when Indonesian goalkeeper Irawan and defender clashed.

In the last 15 minutes Indonesia put pressure on Laos but could not create any real chance to score and conceded a 2-0 loss. Playing an attack game, Laos deserved a victory.

Earlier in another match, Singapore edged Myanmar 2-1.

As a result Laos and Singapore earned four points from two matches but Laos top the table due to a better goal difference.

Huy Nam

From Zulhilmi Supaat VIENTIANE, Dec 7 (Bernama) -- The next host of the SEA Games in 2011, Indonesia, have proposed to stage 37 sports, including two extreme sports.

Malaysia's representative in the SEA Games Federation (SGF) executive meeting Datuk Sieh Kok Chi told Bernama that Indonesia would drop petanque, fin swimming, muay thai and shuttlecock juggling from the programme.

"The two new sports included are wall climbing and roller-skating," said Kok Chi here Monday.

Among sports proposed by Indonesia are badminton, weightlifting, aquatics, football, archery, shooting, silat, taekwondo, athletics, squash, hockey, billiard & snooker, boxing, volleyball, basketball, golf, judo, sepak takraw, table tennis, wushu, cycling.

Among sports not contested in Vientiane but included in Indonesia are tenpin bowling, equestrian, gymnastics, fencing, chess, traditional boats, kayaking, rowing, sailing, soft ball and baseball.

Indonesia have also for the first time in the history of the SEA Games, proposed to include Kempo, a type of combat sport similar to fencing but using bamboo make weapons, a sport popular in Japan.

The 2011 host have also added powerlifting to the programme of normal athletes although the sport is normally featured in Paralympic sports.

Kok Chi added that Singapore had withdrawn from hosting the 2013 SEA Games and Vietnam had offered to host the Games.

According to SGF's allocation of the host job to countries, Singapore were given the opportunity to host the 2013 SEA Games and followed by Cambodia (2015), Myanmar, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam respectively.

-- BERNAMA

Photo: Signs hung up along the median strip on Lane Xang Avenue promote the ongoing 25th SEA Games.

Although Vientiane is a small town compared to the bustling metropolises of Southeast Asian, the host city of the 25th SEA Games will keep you entertained, with surprises around every corner.

The hearts of millions of Lao people nationwide are beating faster at the prospect of welcoming athletes and guests to the SEA Games, and also in anticipation of next year's celebrations to mark the 450th anniversary of Vientiane as the capital of Laos .

This year's SEA Games is not just about winning, but also serves to remind us of the principles of ‘Generosity, Amity, and Healthy Lifestyle' – the slogan promoting the games. This is a simple expression, but profound in meaning, and relates to Laos and to the rest of the world.

It conveys the lofty ideals of the people of Vientiane as well as Laos in general. They will attempt to share these principles with the global community and to set the stage for a bright future hand in hand with the rest of the world's citizens.

The slogan expresses the firm beliefs of a great nation with a long history and on its way towards modernisation. Laos is committed to peaceful generosit y, a society where friendship reigns, and to encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

Perhaps a tour of Vientiane will enable the visitor to see these ideals in practice, and offer another exciting option in addition to the mouth-watering competition schedule.

Yes it's a relatively small city, but don't be deceived. Many sights of interest await you, and they're all easy to get to. We have places of cultural significance, shopping malls, an endless array of dining options and a magnificent river that affords stunning sunset views.

Vientiane is about 3,920 sq km in size with a population of about 610,000. There are nine districts: Chanthabouly, Sikhottabong, Xaysettha, Sisattanak, Naxaithong, Xaythany, Hadxaifong, Sangthong and Parkngum.

The first place to go is the That Luang stupa - the symbol of Laos and very important to the Lao people. We have a saying: “If you come to Vientiane and don't visit That Luang, you haven't actually seen Vientiane ”. The stupa, built in 1566 by King Sayasetthathirath, is said to contain relics of the Lord Buddha himself and is the country's most cherished religious monument.

Your next port of call might be the Patuxay Monument (Victory Gate), which was built in the 1960s and is located nearby on Lane Xang Avenue .

A short walk away on the same street is Vat Sisaket, built in 1818 by King Anouvong. Having survived attacks by the Siamese, this is the oldest standing temple in Vientiane . It is also one of the oldest monasteries in the country and houses many important documents and treasures, including 6,840 Buddha images.

On the other side of the road sits Hor Phakeo, originally built in 1565 as a place for the Phrakeo (Emerald Buddha) during the time of King Sayasetthathirath. Today it is a museum, and contains one of the most extensive Lao collections of Buddhist artefacts.

Xieng Khuan Buddha Park , an artistic extravaganza conceived in 1958 under the direction of Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, a Lao monk, hosts a collection of larger-than-life sculptures that merge Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The park is located about 24 km south of Vientiane , across from the town of Nong Khai in Thailand where Bunleua later erected a similar pantheon of sculptures.

A stroll by the Mekong River will bring you closer to spectacular sunsets and open vistas. Fa Ngum Road is the most popular place to hang out at this time of the day. Here you'll find an abundance of eateries and watering holes to enhance your sunset experience.

The town centre features two main shopping centres, where you can pick up some colourful souvenirs. The Morning Market can be found on Lane Xang Avenue and the Xang Jieng Chinese Market on Asean Road is on the way to Wattay International Airport .

If you're a fan of Indian food, Fa Ngum Road can accommodate your needs.

When the desire for European food strikes, head for the Nam Phou fountain area just a few minutes walk away. Here you'll find a handful of cosy restaurants, many of which also serve Lao food.

You will be amazed but, despite its size, Vientiane offers a range of international cuisines that also extends to Italian, scandinavian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese restaurants.

Whether it's a restaurant, shopping mall, health centre or some other destination you're in search of, everything is easily accessible. Just hail a tuk tuk or taxi, but don't forget to negotiate the fare first.



By Sisay Vilaysack

More than 500 SEA Games participants from Southeast Asian nations arrived in Vientiane from November 28 to December 2, according to the SEA Games Reception and Protocol Committee.

The participants included athletes, coaches, administrators, referees and technical staff, who entered Laos at Wattay International Airport and the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge . Cambodian delegations and athletes entered at southern border crossings.

According to the committee, some of them arrived last Saturday to take part in competition events such as the men's football, which started on December 2.

The women's football and water polo competitions will take place today at the National University of Laos Stadium and the National Stadium.

Competitions began on December 2, which was the 34th anniversary of Lao National Day. The opening ceremony will be held on December 9 at the National Stadium at km16 in Vientiane .

The first athletes to arrive in Vientiane were the Vietnamese men's football team, followed by football teams from Cambodia , Singapore , Malaysia , Indonesia , Myanmar , Timor Leste and the Philippines .

Other delegations included referees, heads of missions and other staff from Asean countries as well as from Bangladesh , Bhutan , India , Iran , Chinese Taipei, the Republic of Korea and Japan .

According to observations by local press at the Dongdok campus and SEA Games Village , the village was already crowded, with some athletes relaxing after training and walking around the complex and others training for upcoming matches.



By Times Reporters

Thousands of Thai tourists will cross the Mekong River to cheer on their athletes at the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane .


Representatives of travel agents from the Thai provinces of Nong Khai and Udon Thani paid a courtesy visit to Vice President of the Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA) Mr Sila Mounthalavong in Vientiane on Tuesday to discuss arrangements for the expected influx of Thai tourists.

Udon Thani and Nong Khai are major gateways to Vientiane .

The Thai travel agents also held discussions with their Lao counterparts to arrange measures aimed at facilitating a pleasurable stay for Thai tourists, including guided tours, transport arrangements, and booking of tickets, hotels and restaurants during the event.

According to the LNTA, large groups of Vietnamese tourists are also expected in Vientiane during the games.

Mr Sila said Vientiane offers a warm welcome to all visitors during the sporting event.

He said there are sufficient hotels and guesthouses to accommodate more than 11,000 people and the LNTA has asked hospitality businesses in the areas surrounding Vientiane to prepare for more visitors.

“We expect that after the games many will want to spend some time somewhere like Vangvieng district in Vientiane province where they can enjoy some beautiful natural scenery,” he said.

Mr Sila said the LNTA has held discussions with hospitality businesses to ensure they maintain reasonable service charges during the games in an effort to lure tourists back for a second visit in the future.

He called on Vientiane and Nong Khai travel agents to continue cooperation efforts in the future to boost tourism in the neighbouring provinces.

He said Vientiane is not only the capital of Laos but also a gateway into Indochina as it has transport connections to major tourist destinations such as the World Heritage listed town of Luang Prabang, the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khuang province, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam, Chiang Mai in Thailand and Siem Reap in Cambodia.

The tourism industry in Laos has increased rapidly in recent years due to rising visitor numbers and growing foreign investment in the country, he said.

Hotels in the major towns of Laos , such as Luang Prabang, Savannakhet and Champassak, have top quality hotels offering tourists excellent services and hospitality.

By Times Reporters

Even though Laos has never before hosted the major biennial regional sports competition, the country is confident it will serve up a highly successful 25th SEA Games.

The flags of participating nations and welcoming banners along Vientiane 's streets show Laos is well prepared for the SEA Games. –Photo Sisay
To give everyone confidence, Mr Somsavat has confirmed that Laos is well prepared to host the games, and is more than ready to be off and running.

A meeting of SEA Games Council Members held in December 2003 in Hanoi, Vietnam, nominated Laos to host the 25th SEA Games this year because the country had never been given the honour before.

Laos is also counting down to celebrate the 450th anniversary of Vientiane as the capital of Laos in 2010.

The Lao government accepted the nomination and gave the National Sports Committee responsibility for planning and preparations. This included preparing sports venues, building athletes' accommodation and providing other services for use during the games.

After more than five years spent preparing infrastructure through several projects, everything is now finished and Laos is more than ready for the event to get underway.

Mr Somsavat said “It is Lao government policy that sports are part of human resource development. The SEA Games are very important in showing the development of Laos over the last 34 years.”

“In the sporting world, only in the Olympic Games are leaders from participating nations invited to attend the opening ceremony. This has never happened before at the SEA Games. But Laos will do something very special this year because participating nations' leaders have expressed an interest and willingness to attend the opening ceremony in Vientiane . So we have sent them invitations,” Mr Somsavat said.

Laos can confirm that the prime ministers of Cambodia , Timor Leste and Thailand will attend, while Vietnam is still deciding which of its leaders will come to Laos .

Mr Somsavat said the organising committee had also invited representatives of Lao families living overseas to attend the event, including groups in France , United States of America , Australia and Japan .

Laos has not only worked hard to prepare the necessary infrastructure for the games, but also to make sure referees and athletes are ready for the starting gun.

This time, Laos is setting its sights on winning more gold medals than at previous SEA Games, as the country's athletes will be competing on home soil.

Because it is the 25th edition of the SEA Games this year, Laos decided to organise just 25 sports, less than at the previous games held in Thailand in 2007.

This makes it easy to remember the event by the number 25, with the slogan ‘25 sports at the 25th SEA Games in Laos ' to become symbolic of the Vientiane Games.

This year's SEA Games is not just about winning, but also promotes ‘Generosity, Amity, and Healthy Lifestyle'.

While this is a simple expression, it is profound in meaning, Mr Somsavat said, and refers to Laos and the rest of the world. The official opening ceremony of the 25th SEA Games is scheduled for December 9, but the football matches will kick off on Wednesday, which coincides with the 34th anniversary of National Day on December 2.

Vientianetimes

Standing Deputy Prime Minister of Laos Somsavat Lengsavad affirmed that sports delegations, fans and international guests to the 25th Southeast Asian Games (25th SEA Games) in Laos will receive good services and leave with lasting positive impressions of Laos.

Talking to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Vientiane on November 18, Deputy PM Lengsavad, who is also Chairman of the 25th SEA Games Organising Committee, said that this was the first time Laos has ever hosted a large regional sports event, so the country has made an all-out effort to prepare for the games. Already, all preparations for the 25th SEA Games, including the construction of the National Sports Complex and the SEA Games Village, in where athletes will live during the games, have been completed, he said.

Security work and traffic arrangements in the capital city of Vientiane have been beefed up to ensure the best conditions for the region?s largest sports event.
Laos also sets up a health committee which has coordinated with relevant agencies to take measures against the A/H1N1 flu, added the Standing Deputy Prime Minister.

More than 1,300 cheerleaders from upper secondary schools throughout Vientiane will get together at Phailom School tomorrow for a final practice of their routine before taking to the SEA Games field next month. SEA Games Cheering Committee Chairman Mr Bounsouk Thilasack said yesterday that November 21 would be the final day of practice before the games, so it would be a big test for the students. “We have arranged for some of the cheerleaders to support athletes from other countries who have less people to cheer for them, so the students acting as cheerleaders will be well-mannered and friendly,” he said.

The SEA Games Organising Committee worked with the Ministry of Education from June this year to discuss the role of students as cheerleaders. The games committee allowed the Ministry’s Head of Office Mr Bounsack to close six upper secondary schools in Vientiane, including Phailom, Sathid, Phonsvanh, Vientiane, Phiavat and Xaysettha schools during the games. “After getting that permission, we discussed with the interested sectors and schools an appropriate time for the students to rehearse for the games. Funding for this has been provided by the government,” Mr Bounsouk said.

He said that during the rehearsals, the students had been trained in orderly cheering, the right and wrong things to do, fairness, manners and good conduct. “We had two training sessions - before the practice on the field and after the practice. We will have the real practice this Saturday, then on November 28, and then another training session on the right and wrong things to do before the games start on December 2,” he said. The cheerleaders will be present at the games from December 2-18, when the committee will allow them access to each sports venue including the National Stadium, Dongdok campus, Lao-ITECC, Buengkhayong, Don Chan Palace and others. “Each sports venue will have a leader to supervise each student group, and the committee will also monitor their work at each venue during the competition,” Mr Bounsouk said.

He said all the cheerleaders would have equipment such as horns, the Lao and SEA Games flags, shirts and hats. “They will use these to spur on the athletes during the competition,” he said. At a SEA Games Organising Committee meeting, the Chairman, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, said the students would be an important part of the games because they would create a more exciting atmosphere than if there was no one to cheer for the teams.

Source: Vientiane Times

The main Lao-Japan Budo Centre is complete and ready to host the judo and karatedo events at the 25th SEA Games from December 9-18.


The karatedo team gives a demonstration at the Budo Centre.

The Lao National Sports Committee (LNSC) staged a budo exhibition at the centre after its construction was completed on November 6.

Construction took part in two phases at a cost of more than 600 million yen, funded by the Japanese government and people.

The contract for construction of the centre was awarded to Azusa Sekkei Co., Ltd. as the consultant and the Consortium of Kanto Construction Co., Ltd. in cooperation with Sanpo International Corporation as contractor.

The first Budo Centre in Laos is located in Anou village in Chanthabouly district, Vientiane .

The handover ceremony was attended by Standing Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the SEA Games Organising Committee, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, LNSC President Dr Phouthong Seng-Akhom, Japanese Ambassador to Laos Masaaki Miyashita, and senior officials from Laos and Japan .

Mr Somsavat said the centre was an important contribution to the success of the SEA Games. The Lao government considered it is as a special project of bilateral cooperation.

He expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Japan , specially the consultant company on behalf of JICA, and the Consortium of Kanto Construction and Sanpo International Corporation for their professionalism in ensuring the centre was finished on time and was of the highest standard

The centre has been fitted out to hold the judo and karatedo events at the SEA Games.

The Lao judo and karatedo teams will live and train at the centre in preparation for the games.

Until now, the karatedo fighters have been training at the National Sports Training Centre in Sikeut village, Naxaithong district.

Judo and karatedo are both Japanese martial arts. They were introduced to Laos in the 1960s and have seen gradual development through the assistance of Japanese volunteers.

The Budo Centre will be the main venue for aikido, judo and karatedo events and will also be used for other sports such as table tennis, badminton, and sepak takraw.

Seminars, conference and concerts can also be staged there to make money for administration and maintenance purposes.

The Lao government's contribution to the project was to demolish the existing building on the site, relocate a primary school, clean the site, erect fencing, hook up electricity and water to the site and do the landscaping, at a cost of 2 billion and 42 million kip.

The construction project is the largest the Japanese government has provided to Laos under its cultural grant assistance scheme. The Budo Centre is the first of its kind for the promotion of Japanese martial arts in the region.

The Budo Centre comprises a three-storey main building and two single-storey buildings with a total construction area of 1,796.2 square metres.

The main building comprises a practice and competition venue, the director's room, administration room, and aikido, judo and karatedo offices.

It has fixed seats for 436 spectators and 275 removable seats for activities such as concerts. After the handover ceremony, hundreds of aikio, karatedo and judo fighters at the junior and senior levels from Japan and Laos took part in demonstrations at the centre.

At the 24th SEA Games in Thailand in 2007, the Lao karatedo team won a bronze medal and the judo team two gold, one silver and three bronze medals.



By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes

The nation's golfers are better prepared than ever as they come out swinging for the 25th SEA Games in December.

Lao Golf Federation President Sounthone Sirisack said while the team was still young, they had gained valuable experiences and improved their scores since previous competitions.

With the golfers improving greatly, he raised the stakes by saying that golf will be a medal hope for Laos at the 25th SEA Games.

“We didn't perform well enough in previous SEA Games, but this time we are the host so our athletes have goodwill from the government, Lao people and their families to practise hard for these games.”

“Now they are better than ever and ready for the challenge,” he said.

After the announcement that golf would be included as one of the sports of the 25th SEA Games, the federation had gathered the nation's most experienced as well as up-and-coming players.

Trial matches were held to select the best golfers in Laos to prepare for the games in December.

“We had many of them prepare for the games, and now we have chosen 10 of them for the final team,” Mr Sounthone said.

“We have seven starting members including three women. The remaining three will be substitutes.”

During the preparations, the golfers received encouragement from the federation and the government as well as their families, who are eager to support them as they compete for the nation.

“We have had enough equipment during preparations and received great cooperation from the countries where we sent our players to practise. This was good preparation for them ahead of the games,” he said.

Mr Sounthone said the federation has found the popularity of golf in Laos to be increasing.

The SEA Games are seen as an opportunity for the federation to spark development of a new generation of Lao golfers.

The federation has also teed up financial support.

Assisting the federation financially are Beam Global Asia Pte Limited (US$15,000) and International Commercial Bank Lao Limited (US$5,000).

Both are hoping their support will translate into Lao success on fairways next month.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

After many months of preparations, the SEA Games Organising Committee has arranged a rehearsal session next week to put everything to the test.

The SEA Games Technical and Preparation of Sport Contingent Committee reported last Friday that all committees and federations will set up sample events on November 16-20.

This is seen as a valuable exercise to highlight any problems before the main event next month.

Technical Committee Chairman Somphou Phongsa told the local press it would be an important event and give participants useful experience.

There will be test events for some sports, after which all the committees and bodies involved will go to the field to see what aspects need to be improved or changed.

“This rehearsal will follow the plan for the games in December which the organisers have prepared, then all committees will follow up the plan,” Mr Somphou said.

Test events will include setting up equipment and systems such as timing and scoring, along with other practical aspects of the games.

They will also involve gathering athletes at the SEA Games Village , referees at hotels, transportation, traffic control, medical services, and security.

“For example, transport officials will pick up athletes and referees from various places and follow the planned route to each stadium. When they arrive, other committees will follow the prepared plan step by step until we get to the end of the games,” Mr Somphou said.

“Then we will practise raising the flag of the winner's country, presenting medals and other items on the agenda.”

The exercise would replicate the actual events that would take place during the SEA Games.

“If we find any mistakes, those responsible will correct the situation before the games,” he said.

The event will be the biggest test for all the committees involved and a useful experience in pointing out mistakes and any weaknesses in preparations. All of the committees and other bodies involved are now training their staff and volunteers who will work at the games.

“In the last few days many of the IT staff working at the games have had a training course from the National Authority for Science and Technology,” Mr Somphou said.

“Today there will be another training course for masters of ceremonies and presenters to make sure they know what they have to do and what their mission is, as well as how to collect information about the games for presentation during the main event in December.”

He said many of the trainees would appear on television so their dress, health and education as well as use of local and foreign languages should be perfect, so they could be understood by viewers and listeners throughout the region.

On the same day, other committees have a training session in flag raising and medal presentation.

The test event will answer questions posed by the games organising committee and members of the public about whether Laos will be a good host of the 25th SEA Games.


By Souknilundon Southivongnorath

In just less than a month, the 25th SEA Games will be kicked off, and every corners in Laos are full of SEA Games spirit. This video clip is a part of Thatluang festival, the biggest festival in Vientiane, and people gathered to enjoy the 25th SEA Games promotion concert. Please check out the video:

Sporting equipment will be installed at almost all SEA Games venues by the end of this month, according to the SEA Games Technical and Preparation for Sport Contingent Committee.


The badminton court is almost ready for SEA Games matches.

Vice Chairman of the committee, Mr Phouvan Vongsouthi, said yesterday that 90 percent of the required equipment has already been fitted at each venue, except for the billiards and snooker venue.

The committee reported that most of the sporting equipment is already in Laos , while the rest has been ordered and is yet to arrive from abroad.

Equipment for the archery, badminton, swimming, football, muay, taekwondo, karatedo and shuttlecock events has been ordered but is yet to arrive. It should be received and installed by the middle of this month.

Mr Phouvan said many venues are just waiting for final pieces of equipment, such as the shooting range where most equipment is already installed and just running targets are yet to be delivered from Germany .

“Equipment for the swimming event has already been provided by China , but we had to order some chemicals to treat the water from another country,” he said.

He said officials overseeing the wushu, sepak takraw and pencak silat events are waiting for the That Luang Festival fair to conclude at the Lao International Trade and Exhibition Convention Centre where those events will be held before they install equipment.

The committee confirmed that 25 sports will be contested at the games. There are 370 events in the programme with 1,239 medals on offer, consisting of 370 gold, 370 silver and 539 bronze medals.

Events will be held at six venues in Vientiane - the National Sports Complex at Km 16, National University of Laos' Sport Centre, Chao Anouvong Sports Centre, Lao-ITECC Sports Centre, Beungkhangong Sports Centre and the Don Chan Palace hotel.

The main complex will host the athletics, aquatics, archery, badminton, men's football, golf, shooting, tennis and volleyball (indoor and beach) events. The National University of Laos' Sports Centre will hold the boxing, women's football, petanque, table tennis, taekwondo, weightlifting, and wrestling competitions.

Chao Anouvong will be the site for men's and women's football, judo and karate-do. Lao-ITECC will host the pencak silat, sepak takraw and wushu events. The Buengkhangong Sports Centre will see muay and shuttlecock action, and Don Chan Palace will hold the billiards and snooker events as well as serving as the start and finish points for the cycling races.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

(KPL) Lao boxers won three gold medals in 57kg, 51kg and 60kg categories after hard competition against fighters from Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore on 20-23 October in Vientiane.

Twelve boxers have been sent to compete at the Lao Open Boxing Tournament.
The Lao Amateur Boxing Federation organized the tournament to find the competitive athletes for the up-coming games, to be held in Vientiane from 9 to 18 December.

The first gold medal was won by experienced boxer Mr. Sayalack Chanthasone, who defeated a boxer from Thailand in men?s 57kg category. The victor hopes to claim another gold medal in his home games in this coming December.

The second gold medal was taken by Ms. Somphone Keosynang after beating a fighter from Indonesia in 51kg category and the third belonged to Mr. Khouthavysack Monboutsady who fought in 60kg division.

A contest at the National Culture Hall last Friday chose 10 announcers to compere the 25th SEA Games opening and closing ceremonies.

The winners were selected by the Lao SEA Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies Committee from 90 initial applicants who entered the contest in September.



The main objective was to select the best announcers, who are required to speak excellent English and present the best of the nation's cultural and traditional characteristics in the form of dress, charm and behaviour during the opening and closing ceremonies.

The winners were each awarded 5 million kip and certificates of honour by the Ministry of Information and Culture.

In the final round, a group of 20 competitors showcased their master of ceremony skills in both Lao and English, as well-known Lao bands and singers entertained the audience.

Most of the winners have experience in television or radio.

The group will be split into five pairs and will have the very important role of making public announcements, including the introduction of programmes, during SEA Games events including the opening and closing ceremonies.

The first pair will compere the opening ceremony on December 9 and the second will take to the stage during the closing ceremony on December 18.

The other three pairs will act as substitutes and will be given other jobs to perform.

The group will undertake further training organised by the committee to ensure their stage presence and delivery meets the standard expected.

The 10 winners were Ms Silimata Douangphoumy, Ms Thipkesone Sithirajvongsa, Ms Sengsuliya Phonkaseumsouk, Ms Phenmaly Phonsena, Ms Siriphon Southammavong, Mr Phoutthason Duangphoumy, Mr Paliya Nuanthasing, Mr Anan Singsaveng, Mr Thatsaphone Leudthavone and Mr Bounpaseuth Oupathana.

By Phoonsab Thevongsa
Vientianetimes

The Lao SEA Games Organising Committee hosted a Chief de Mission (CDM) meeting in Vientiane on Saturday to hear reports on preparations for the games.

Participants at the half-day meeting received reports from the host nation on such issues as games emblems and mascots, ports of entry, hospitality services, sports complexes, and medical care.

CDM delegates from Brunei , Cambodia , Indonesia , the Philippines , Malaysia , Myanmar , Singapore , Thailand , Vietnam and Timor Leste raised questions and issues at the meeting.

Attendees asked the committee for information about services and accommodation for athletes and coaches at the SEA Games Village , as well as for foreign delegations attending the event.

Chairman of the SEA Games Technical Competition Committee, Mr Somphou Phongsa, said at a press conference after the meeting that the meeting aimed to report on the progress of preparations for the games, after some participating nations raised concerns about the SEA Games Village .

“There were many questions and issues raised, including inquiries about services, medical care, and ticketing, but the majority of queries were about the accommodation for athletes and delegations,” he said.

Mr Somphou said the committees had outlined the services and accommodation that would be provided and the CDM delegations were satisfied with the results.

“Some attendees requested a CDM centre be set up during the games, so we will establish an accreditation centre at the National University of Laos near the SEA Games Village . Another common concern was ticketing arrangements for fan clubs and dignitaries.”

The CDM delegations were asked to submit lists of athletes and delegations from their respective nations that will attend the games by October 26 so arrangements could be made.

The delegates also visited sports venues and the SEA Games Village to view progress and standards.

Mr Somphou pledged the relevant committees would address all suggestions and requests raised at the meeting and ensure excellent hospitality is provided to athletes and delegations during the games.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

Lao teams emerged victorious from a four nations Sepak Takraw tournament held on October 16-17 in Vientiane .

The Lao Sepak Takraw Federation organised the tournament to test their athletes and officials before the SEA Games in December.

The event involved athletes from Malaysia , Thailand and Vietnam and was held at the Lao International Trade and Exhibition Convention Centre.

The Lao women's singles team defeated Malaysia 2-1, Thailand 2-0 and Vietnam 2-1 to be crowned champions, while the women's doubles team beat Malaysia 2-0, Thailand 2-1 and Vietnam 2-1 to finish in top place.

The Lao men's doubles team finished in second place after defeating Malaysia and Vietnam but falling to Thailand . The men's singles team took third place after a 2-0 loss to Malaysia , a 2-1 loss to Thailand and a 2-1 win over Vietnam .

Federation official Lamphone Souvanvong said the tournament attracted top athletes who are likely to compete at the SEA Games.

“We need further practice on our defence skills. Many of our players lack experience but we are proud to see their skills have improved a lot since they first started training for the games.”

The tournament allowed athletes, officials and organisers an opportunity to assess their readiness for the SEA Games as well as test the facilities to be used at the games.“The first day of the tournament was very busy, but things improved and the organisers managed to run a successful event,” Mr Lamphone said.

He said organisers received assistance from Thai officials to ensure the tournament went smoothly.

The federation has selected a final squad of 30 for the SEA Games. They were previously training in Savannakhet province, but have now moved to Vientiane in the lead-up to the games. Mr Lamphone said the federation is confident the team will perform their best in front of their home crowd and urged everyone to attend the games and support Lao athletes.



By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes