25th SEA Games, Laos

The Lao Tennis Federation is testing its players at a tournament being held at the Vientiane Tennis Club from November 16-20 in the lead-up to the 25th SEA Games next month.

Taking part in the event are six male and four female national level players who have been training with experienced players and former national team players at the club.

The federation has held two national level events this year to help boost the skills of tennis players around the nation.

There are a number of talented young tennis players ready to compete at the SEA Games, but they still lack international exposure.

The national team trained in Bangkok , Thailand , in September and October this year under the guidance of Chinese and Thai trainers.

The Chinese trainer has being working with the team since April, while his Thai colleague only joined the team last month.

The players improved their physical fitness and tactical skills during training in Thailand .

Director of the SEA Games Tennis Tournament Organising Committee, Mr Hongkham Souvannavong, said Thailand organised more than 10 tournaments to test their players, but unfortunately Lao players did not participate in the events.

Since ending their training in Bangkok , the team has been practising on tennis courts in Dongsanghin village, Xaythany district.

Mr Hongkham said the Lao players are all the better for their training programme and expressed confidence they could pick up some medals at their home games.

Ms Dala Nilaxay, 18, competed in the 24th SEA Games in Thailand but was unable to claim a medal.

She began playing tennis eight years ago and is currently in her first year of study at the National University of Laos' Faculty of Law.

She said the Thai, Indonesian and Vietnamese tennis players are very skilful and were the best performers at the 2007 SEA Games.

Ms Dala said all members of the national team are determined to do their best when Laos hosts the games and called on people to cheer on all Lao athletes during the event.

At this week's tournament, the federation will also try out 80 ball boys and girls and 50 assistant referees, who will participate in the SEA Games if they are up to standard.

The federation lacks an umpire with the required international certification, but 14 umpires from India , Malaysia , the Philippines , Thailand and Indonesia will adjudicate at the games.

The Lao tennis team consists of Mr Vithaya Laxavady, Mr Donedy Keodalasouk, Mr Somchay Phaphithak, Mr Xayalath Singthin, Mr Ananda Khamphoumy, Mr Bounthavong Silisack, Ms Dala Nilaxay, Ms Dalavanh Singthin, Ms Ketxiny Xaety and Ms Phonenida Meksavanh.

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