25th SEA Games, Laos

Lao wushu fighters smashed their medal target yesterday, winning three more gold medals to add to their tally in the sanshou finals on the last day of wushu events at Lao-ITECC.

The first gold came from Khamla Soukaphone, who beat Phan Vah Hau of Vietnam in the 52kg category. Phoxay Aphailath won the day?s second gold for Laos in the 56kg category, defeating the Philippines? Benjie Rivera, while a third came from Bouapha Valasith, who beat Junaidi Sukamto Rahmat from Indonesia in the 60kg category.
The President of the Lao Wushu Federation Mr Oudomsak Oudomthongkasem expressed his satisfaction that the Lao fighters had morethan doubled the federation?s medal target at the SEA Games, winning five gold, two silver and 4 bronze medals.

?Wushu is still a new sport in Laos, after this achievement our federation will expand in Vientiane and other provinces to draw on more resources and train good fighters to compete in the next SEA Games and do even better than in this event,? he said.

The Lao Wushu Federation entered 10 men and nine women in the 25th SEA Games wushu events, competing in men?s and women?s changquans (long fist, broad sword play and cud get), nanquans (southern fist and southern cudgel play), taijiquans (taijiquan and taijijian), duilian (barehand and weapon) and sanshou in weight categories of 45 to 65kg.

Their current successes build on those of previous SEA Games competitions, where in recent years Lao fighters have come away from the events with gold, silver and bronze medals.

The Lao muay team became the most successful in the country's history when the close of competition at the ongoing SEA Games saw a haul of five gold medals around their necks.

Yesterday was the final day of the muay events at this year's SEA Games. The Lao team had four boxers in the ring competing in seven gold medal bouts. At the end of the day the Lao team took home three gold medals and one silver.

The team won two other gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal on Monday.

The three gold medals for Laos yesterday came from Phoutthasone Keosayavong in the female light flyweight 48kg, Thongbang Seuaphom in the male flyweight 51kg and Paylor Xaypao in the female featherweight 57kg division.

Thongbang Seuaphom said after the medal presentation ceremony “This gold medal is a great honour for me because it is my international competition debut.”

“My future now is to continue to have more international fights with the national squad and to win more gold medals for Laos ,” the 20-year-old Thongbang said.

On the same day, the shuttlecock team also had their best success by scooping two gold medals and one silver.

The first gold came in the men's doubles from Southisone Thonmanivong and Khamphong Phouthong.

Another gold medal was won in the mixed doubles by Ms Pathoumphone Phammachane and Mr Phongeun Kongmany, while the silver medal was won in the women's doubles by Ms Malaythong Daosisavan and Ms Khamkhoun Luanglath.

Yesterday's gold medals followed the first gold medal for the shuttlecock team on December 13 from Southisone Thonmanivong in the men's singles event.

Vice Minister and Head of the Prime Minister's Office and President of the Lao National Shuttlecock Federation, Prof. Dr Boviengkham Vongdara, said yesterday “After three days of competition our team has won three gold medals and one silver medal. This is a very great success.”

“Although today is the final day of the shuttlecock competition, there are still two gold medals up for grabs for the men's and women's teams. Our hope is to win at least one more gold medal.”

The latest medal standings updated at 7pm on Tuesday placed Laos in seventh position out of the 11 competing countries with 22 gold, 11 silver and 35 bronze medals. This was on the seventh day of competition since the official opening ceremony on December 9.

The best medal tally for Laos in any previous SEA Games was 5 gold, 7 silver and 32 bronze medals.



By Sisay Vilaysack
vientianetimes

The SEA Games Organising Committee led Lao athletes yesterday in paying respect to the late president Kaysone Phomvihane.

“We wish for the spirit of the late president to protect our athletes and ensure the games are a success, just as the late president led us to success in the past,” said Standing Deputy Prime Minister and committee Chairman, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad.

The event took place at the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum in Xaysettha district, Vientiane .

It is common practice for Lao people to visit a place of importance to wish for good luck in the lead-up to a significant event.

The 25th SEA Games will take place from December 9 to 18 in Vientiane, consisting of 370 events in the 25 sports of athletics, swimming, archery, badminton, snooker and billiards, muay, cycling, football, golf, judo, karatedo, sepak takraw, shooting, tennis, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, wrestling, weightlifting, boxing, pencak silat, petanque, fin swimming, diving and shuttlecock.

The games will involve athletes from Brunei , Cambodia , Indonesia , Laos , Malaysian, Myanmar , Philippine, Singapore , Thailand , Vietnam and Timor Leste.

Events will be held at the National Stadium in Dongsanghin village, Xaythany district; the Chao-anouvong stadium in Anou village, Chanthabouly district; the International Trade Exhibition and Convention Centre; Beungkhayong stadium; National University of Laos Dong Dok Campus, Don Chan Palace hotel and other venues maked with the SEA Games signage.


By Souknilundon Southivongnorath

Vientianetimes

The Government has urged completion of final preparations at the SEA Games Village in Vientiane , ahead of the arrival of the first wave of athletes and tournament officials this week.

Standing Deputy Prime Minister and SEA Games Organising Committee Chairman Mr Somsavat Lengsavad said at a meeting on Saturday that electricity, water and other facilities should be rechecked and any problems solved before the athletes arrive.

“Committees, construction companies and others should send their staff to solve any problems that arise during the games,” he said.

Mayor of the SEA Games Village Professor Lammay Phiphakhavong reported that there were still some small problems at the village that needed to be cleared up before the athletes arrived.

“There are still some small problems with electricity, water, room keys and the canteen. Some lamps are broken, there is sometimes no hot water on the second and third floors, some of the rooms don't have keys and there are some problems with the canteen toilets,” he said.

Mr Lammay said at the meeting that the construction company, electricity and water staff should stay at the village until the games are over so they could fix any problems as quickly as possible.

“If there is not enough space for all the guests and athletes at the village, we will take them to stay at the National University of Laos which is only 1km away,” he said.

Mr Somsavat asked electricity and water supply staff to fix any problems quickly, saying that because it was cool there should be hot water available.

Electricity workers should work with builders to locate the source of the problem and fix it this week, he said.

Representatives from both water and electricity companies told the meeting they had contacted the construction company and had found faults with their work, so they would need to sort out solutions this week.

Mr Somsavat said the SEA Games Village must test both water and electricity because when the village was fully occupied these utilities would be in full use.

All the lights must be turned on at the same time to see whether they are functioning or not, and if there is a problem it must be sorted out immediately, he said.

“They should also follow the same procedure to test the water. And all the other small problems should be fixed as well.”



By Souknilundon Southivongnorath

The indoor stadium at Lao-ITECC will host the sepak takraw, wushu and pencak silat events during the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane next month.

The stadium comprises two floors on which the SEA Games Organising Committee has modified two rings especially for the wushu and pencak silat events.

Each arena has seating for 400 spectators and offices for event officials.

The sepak takraw and wushu events will take place on the first floor of the stadium, while pencak silat contests will be held on the upper floor which is still undergoing renovations.

SEA Games Construction Project Manager Khiengkham Phouthchanhthavong said 750 million kip was spent on improving the indoor stadium and arenas.

Mr Khiengkham said the three arenas will be of international standard and have excellent facilities for athletes, officials and spectators.

The national pencak silat and wushu teams are currently training at the National Sports Training Centre in Sikeut village, Naxaithong district.

The wushu team won one silver and two bronze medals at the last SEA Games in Thailand in 2007, while the pencak silat team won a bronze medal.

Pencak silat events will consist of weight divisions ranging from 45 to 80kg for males and 45 to 65kg for females. The Lao Pencak Silat Federation has sent the national team to train in Hanoi , Vietnam , until the end of this month.

The 21 male and four female fighters are training in Vietnam under the guidance of Indonesian and Vietnamese trainers.

Eleven male and five female wushu fighters in various weight divisions are currently training at the National Sports Training Centre under the guidance of Mr Cui Jian Gong from China .

The Lao Judo Federation hosted the East Asia Judo Championships at the indoor stadium in August to test judo athletes and event organisers in the lead-up to the games.



By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong

The 25th SEA Games Accommodation and Food Committee reported last week that a large number of Thai and Vietnamese sports fans will attend the games in Vientiane next month.

Various committees involved with the organising the games met in Vientiane on Friday to discuss final preparations for the event.

Committee Vice Chairman, Dr Sila Mounthalavong, said the committee is working in cooperation with local hotels and restaurants to ensure that demand can be met during the event.

“Various associations have informed us that large groups of supporters from those countries have already booked accommodation and they're also expecting many visitors from Cambodia and Myanmar ,” he said.

“Sports clubs and fan associations in neighbouring nations have inquired about services at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge during the games, such as opening hours and expected waiting times.”

“We've also had requests for timetable and scheduling information so that visitors can plan their trips here,” Dr Sila said.

The SEA Games Organising Committee is currently in the process of compiling the relevant information which can be provided for distribution in neighbouring countries.

Dr Sila called on the relevant committees to publicise scheduling and other information as soon as possible.

“Some visitors will actually be coming to Laos over the next week or so because some sports events begin on December 2, so it would be good if such information was available for visitors when they arrive,” he said.

Standing Deputy Prime Minister and SEA Games Organising Committee Chairman Somsavat Lengsavad asked all committees involved with the games to cooperate to quickly produce scheduling information for visitors.

The committees pledged to ensure the required information is publicly available by the end of this week.


Vientianetimes

The SEA Games Organising Committee has prepared 47 hectares of parking space at the National Stadium, where the main events will take place.


About 10 hectares of land owned by the Ministry of Information and Culture, and an additional 14 and 13 hectare lots are being operated by Vietnamese companies, said the Vientiane Department of Public Works and Transport's Deputy Director, Mr Chanxay Vinavong.

The car parks should hold around 10,000 vehicles, enough for the number of expected spectators.

On the busiest days, such as the opening and closing ceremonies or the most popular sporting events, vehicles including buses, vans and pick-up trucks wanting to access the city centre from the north of Vientiane should take Sithong Road or Souphanouvong Avenue , Mr Chanxay advised.

He said another approach could be via the Nongbeuk-Dongdok Road , turning right at Tanmixay crossroads. Sports spectators should take the new road through Oudomphon, Lathkuay and Dongbang villages, ending in a turn right at the stadium.

Vehicles coming from Road No. 10 (Ban Keun) into the city centre should pass Thangone village and turn right at Phonsavanh to the Tanmixay crossroads, via Huayteuay, Nonsengchan, Viengkeo and Natom villages.

Spectators wishing to get to the stadium should turn left into Oudomphon, Latkhuay-Dongbang Road then turn right at Km 19 on Road No. 13 south and park in the new car park.

Vehicles coming from other countries should also use this route, Mr Chanxay said.

Vehicles coming from Sangthong district and Xayaboury province should take Road No. 11 into the city centre, and then turn right at the Sikhay junction onto Souphanouvong Avenue .

Another route into central Vientiane would be along Tadmoon Road turning right at Nongtaeng junction, or from Road No. 13, turning left on to Sithong Road through Dongnaxok village.

Mr Chanxay said people wanting to get to the stadium should proceed along Kaoliew Road and turn left at the Sikhay junction, or take the Tadmoon-Nongtaeng road and turn left on Road No. 13 and then take the next right along the Nongbeuk-Dongdok road then turn left at Tanmixay crossroads into new road and take Oudomphon through Latkhuay-Dongbang Road then turn right at Km 19 on Road No. 13 south and park in the new car park.

People arriving from the south or from neighbouring countries should follow Road No. 13 south to the National Stadium.

Vehicles wanting to access the city centre should turn left at Km 21 and take Khoksa-aat Road through Nakhuay village to Huakhua junction, or take the Khoksa-aat-Ban Xok-Samkhe Road to Vangsai junction into Nongnieng village to Huakhua junction.

They could also turn right at Km 19, take the Dongbang-Latkhuay Road via Oudomphon crossroads and then take the new road to Tanmixay crossroads.

Trucks weighing more than 21 tonnes wanting to access the city centre should use the same route. To go north, should use this route then turn right onto Nongbeuk Road or turn right at Oudomphon crossroads.

Spectators taking public transport to the stadium would travel along Kaysone Phomvihane Road to Km 13 south then stop or turn at the stadium.

Mr Chanxay said private vehicles should take the Nongnieng or Huakhua route through Nakhuay or Samke-Ban Xok and Khoksa-aat villages then turn left at Km 21 onto Road No. 13.

Private vehicles could also take the new road at the Tanxixay crossroads through Oudomphon crossroads and Dongbang-Latkhuay Road , then turn right at Km 19.

Vehicles from neighbouring countries should use the same route.

For the Beungkhayong Sports Centre, spectators should park at Beungkhayong Park or Vat Phaxay.

For the Chao Anouvong Stadium, vehicles should park at the National Culture Hall, the National Museum or along the roadside, Mr Chanxay said.



By Khamphone Syvongxay

Vientianetimes

With less than 40 days until the SEA Games kick off in Vientiane , government agencies are boosting efforts to make sure everything is ready for nation's largest ever sporting event.

Public relations are an important aspect of their work in ensuring the games run smoothly. To prepare the media, a course titled “Training for Journalists on Crisis Communication during the SEA Games” was held from October 29-31 in Keo-oudom district, Vientiane province.

The course was jointly organised by the Ministry of Information and Culture, World Health Organisation (WHO) and National Emerging Infectious Diseases Coordination Office (NEIDCO).

Ministry of Information and Culture Office Deputy Head and NEIDCO committee member Vayolinh Phrasavath said at the course “The SEA Games will gather large numbers of people both from around Laos and from other countries. This increases the risk that an infectious disease such as influenza A(H1N1) might emerge.”

“The government is working hard with related organisations to prepare for such an occurrence and prevent disease outbreaks.

“This training course gathers together 41 journalists and TV and radio announcers from every media agency to discuss plans for crisis communication. We will explain various points of detail about how to report an energency and talk about public relations. It is important that everyone knows in advance about the good cooperation and preparations of public health agencies and the media. This involves how they will try to prevent a disease outbreak during the SEA Games and what they will do if people fall ill.

“I believe this short course will help participants to get a better feel for what is needed in the way of anticipating events and forward-looking reporting. You will learn a lot about communicable disease surveillance in Laos , and with good reporting you can make sure visitors to the SEA Games aren't concerned about falling ill,” Mr Vayolinh said.

Currently the Lao government is on the alert for seven communicable diseases - the H1N1 virus, bird flu, diarrhoea, dengue fever, smallpox, hepatitis and food poisoning.

The government is in constant communication with the communicable disease surveillance committee, so that any suspicious illnesses can be investigated, reported on and the necessary information passed on to reporters.

WHO Communications Officer Ms Catherine Cochran said “During a time of crisis people depend on the media to provide them with information about what's going on so they can protect themselves.”

“We have a major event coming up with the SEA Games. There will be thousands of visitors as well as international media coming to cover this event. We have all have been working hard to make sure the games run smoothly, but we must be prepared for something to go wrong. This could take the form of a disease outbreak or other emergency.”

“The media must be prepared to tell the public what's really happening and how to deal with the situation. In this workshop they will learn how to work together to help everyone be safe with the help of our communication skills. I'm looking forward to involving the media in the SEA Games communication network,” Ms Cochran said.

By Phoonsab Thevongsa
Vintianetimes

(KPL) The National Taekwondo Federation of the Lao PDR will organise the Asian Taekwondo Championship from 29-31 October at the Boo Yong Indoor Stadium, National University of Laos (Dong Dok Campus).

This event will be participated by many local participants and the athletes from Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia and all of them will compete in five divisions in kata and poomse dances.

The competition is aimed at testing the competitive skills of athletes and the readiness of referees for the sport at the 25th SEA Games, according to Brig. Gen. Vilay Duangmany, President of the National Taekwondo Federation.

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

Vietnam’s U19 squad drew 2-2 with Laos’ U23s after failing to hold on to a 2-0 lead at the Pre-SEA Games tournament in Vientiane on Friday.

Ngo Hoang Thinh’s 13th minute goal took the lead early and Ha Minh Tuan’s 50th minute goal provided what should have been insurance for Vietnam’s U19 team.

But the Vietnamese side looked exhausted as the second half drew to an end and they lost control of the match. Laos took the chance and pulled one back with a goal by Kaysone Soukhavong in the 68th minute.

Vietnam still had the upper hand until a Vietnamese defender tackled a Lao player in the penalty area and Sangvone scored the equalizer from the penalty spot seven minutes from full time.

Earlier that day, Malaysia’s U19 squad and Thai U19s had also tied at the same score.

U23 squads from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Laos had originally signed up for the October 2-6 Pre-SEA (South East Asian) Games in Laos.

But Thailand decided to send its U19 players just a couple days before the competition started, prompting Vietnam and Malaysia to do the same.

In preparations for the 2009 SEA Games Laos, the Lao Football Federation, Lao National Television, and Crossfire Co. Ltd, are proud to announce the 2009 4-Nations Football Tournament. The national teams from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Laos are playing an AFC sanctioned tournament, to promote the SEA Games theme of Generosity, Amity, and a Healthy Lifestyle in live television broadcasts throughout the pan-Asian region.















Final score Laos 2: Vietnam 2

All tickets issued for the 25th SEA Games in December will have design features that will make them impossible to copy, according to the Vongkhanty Construction Company yesterday.

Company President Phankham Vongkhanty said the company had a concession to print and distribute all tickets including those for the opening and closing ceremonies, and security against counterfeits would have the highest priority.

“We are working closely with the Ministry of Public Security on ways to make all tickets secure, but we will not reveal what these are. It will be easy for our staff to know which ones are real and which are fake,” Mr Phankham said.

He said the company will organise a training course for staff who will check all tickets before spectators enter a stadium. “They just have to look at the ticket and can tell straight away if it's real or fake.”

“Now we are doing research on the numbers of tickets to the opening and closing ceremonies as well as to sporting events. We need to know the number of standard and premium tickets.”

Mr Phankham said the Marketing and Benefit Committee had had orders from almost 10,000 people for tickets to the opening and closing ceremonies but the exact number was not yet known.

The company says there are four different ticket prices: 200,000 kip, 300,000 kip, 400,000 kip and 500,000 kip.

Tickets to events will have prices depending on the popularity of the sport, with prices ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 kip.

“Football is very popular so these tickets will be more expensive. Boxing and other events will have another price but events will be free if there are few spectators. We strongly encourage local spectators to come and watch the less popular sports as well,” he said.

The company reported that entry to cycling, golf, billiards, snooker, athletics, petanque, weightlifting and archery events will be free.

“We are moving to new offices so our fax, telephone and email details will be available soon,” Mr Phankham said.

The company explained how tickets could be booked by fax and email. Central and provincial government officials, people and businesses should contact the company or the SEA Games Marketing and Benefit Committee in Vientiane to reserve tickets.

Mr Phankham said Lao residents and foreigners interested in buying tickets should contact the committee or the company.

“If there are a lot of people wanting to come from overseas they should contact a Lao embassy but a small group can contact a relative here to make a reservation for popular events.”

The games will take place from December 9 to 18 in Vientiane , and will comprise 383 events in 25 sports.

Athletes from Laos , Vietnam , Cambodia , Brunei , Thailand , Malaysia , Indonesia , Myanmar , the Philippines , Singapore and Timor Leste will take part.





By Souknilundon Southivongnorath

Vientianetimes

(KPL) Lao national boxers training for the 25th SEA Games 2009 would be going for a training stint in Thailand and then go to Vietnam for the Indoor Games 2009. With all the preparations the coach of the boxing team said he expected them to bag four gold medals from the SEA Games.

As the 25th SEA Games will be held in just about three months many local sports bodies here, including the Lao National Boxing Federation are doing all they can to get their athletes in top condition.

The General Secretary of the Lao National Boxing Federation, Mr Phonekeo Chomsy told reporters on Sunday that the Lao Olympic Committee received grant aids from the Olympic Committee of Thailand to fund the expenses of the 14 national boxers of Laos when they train for nearly three weeks in September.

According to the national coach, Mr Kampanath Kounlavong, Laos has a good track record in boxing and this is clearly seen in the country bagging one gold, three silver and four bronze medals from the 24th SEA Games in Korat, Thailand in 2007.

Football is always one of the most popular events at international sporting events such as the SEA Games, Asian Games and Olympic Games.

Football was added to the SEA Games in 1959, when the event was known as the Southeast Asian Peninsula Games (SEAP Games).

In the tally of winners from 1959 to 2007, Thailand holds top rank, winning 11 out 24 contests in the SEA Games.

The Lao team's best success was when they made the semi-finals in 1967. Then they finished fourth after a 2-5 loss to Thailand in the third place-play-off. Laos has never reached the semi-finals again.

At the 1959 games, held in Bangkok , Thailand , only four nations competed in the football event - Malaysia , Vietnam , Myanmar and Thailand . Vietnam beat Thailand 3-1 in the event that year.

In 1961 in Rangoon , Burma , six nations contested the football event - Laos , Vietnam , Myanmar , Thailand , Malaysia and Cambodia . The Malaysian side took home gold after beating Myanmar 2-0 in the final.

Malaysia , Thailand , Vietnam , Myanmar and Singapore vied for honours in 1965 in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia . Myanmar and Thailand drew 2-2.

In 1967 in Bangkok , Thailand , Laos reached the semi-finals of the football after other results went their way. Myanmar took gold in the event after defeating Vietnam in the final. Thailand took the bronze medal after they beat Laos 5-2 in the third place play-off.

In 1971 in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia , seven teams competed in football - Laos , Malaysia , Cambodia , Thailand , Vietnam , Myanmar and Singapore . Burma took gold, Malaysia silver, while Vietnam and Thailand both got bronze after playing a draw.

The games were held in Singapore in 1973, and Myanmar won, which was contested by teams from Laos , Singapore , Thailand , Malaysia , Myanmar and Vietnam .

The event at the 1975 games in Bangkok , Thailand and the 1977 games in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia were won by the host nations.

The Malaysian football team won gold at the 1979 games in Jakarta , Indonesia and the 1981 games in Manila , Philippines .

The football event at the 1983 games in Singapore was contested by Malaysia , Singapore , Philippines , Thailand , Indonesia , Brunei and Myanmar . Thailand won gold medal, Singapore silver and Malaysia bronze.

Thailand claimed back-to-back titles after winning at the 1985 games in Bangkok .

The 1987 games were held in Jakarta , Indonesia and the hosts claimed the football gold medal, followed by Malaysia and Thailand .

In 1989 in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia again the host nation claimed gold, while Singapore won silver and defending champions Indonesia took the bronze medal.

At the 1991 games in Manila , Philippines , defending champions Malaysia were knocked out in the preliminary rounds. Indonesia took gold, Thailand silver and Singapore bronze.

In 1993 in Singapore , the hosts claimed bronze while Thailand won gold and Myanmar finished runner-up.

In 1995 in Chiang Mai , Thailand , the football event was contested by ten nations – Thailand , Myanmar , Laos , Brunei , Philippines , Cambodia , Indonesia , Malaysia , Vietnam and Singapore . The host nation took the gold medal, followed by Vietnam and Singapore .

In 1997 in Jakarta , Indonesia , Thailand again won gold, with Indonesia and Vietnam taking the other places.

Thailand again claimed at the 1999 games in Brunei , with Vietnam taking silver and Indonesia bronze.

Thailand , Malaysia and Myanmar took home medals from the football event at the 2001 games in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia ,

In 2003 in Vietnam , once again Thailand claimed gold, while Vietnam won silver.

The results were exactly the same at the 2005 games in the Philippines , with Malaysia taking bronze.

At the 2007 games in Thailand , the medals went to Thailand , Myanmar and Singapore .


By Times Reporters

Vice President and Secretary General of the Asian Taekwondo Union , Mr Kyu Seok Lee paid a visit to Minister to the Prime Minister's Office and President of the Lao National Sports Committee, Dr Phouthong Seng-Akhom on Monday.

During the visit, the two sides discussed cooperation efforts between the committee and union for the 25th SEA Games which will be held in Vientiane at the end of this year.

Dr Phouthong said the Lao national taekwondo team is confident of winning gold medals at the games.

The Lao Taekwondo Federation has sent five males and two females to train in the kyorugi (fighting) style in South Korea from August to October, under the guidance of coach Mr Jin Jung Woo.

Three males and females are also training in South Korea in the poom sa (artistic) style.

Dr Phouthong said the Lao fighters are improving under the instruction of South Korean trainers.

He said Mr Kyu Seok Lee was invited to visit the Taekwonodo Training Centre in Vientiane and see what assistance can be provided.

The Booyoung Company, from South Korea , granted US$300,000 (about 2.7 billion kip) in July 2007 to the committee to finance the construction of the centre.

Dr Phouthong said the centre is very important to Laos and demonstrates the close ties between the two nations.

The committee will be responsible for managing the centre once it is complete and the Lao national taekwondo team will train at the venue in the lead-up to the games.

Construction work on the centre is now finished with just detailed work such as painting to be completed. The facility should be ready for use by the end of September.

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





By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong

(KPL) Deputy President of Lao Disable People Sports Association, Dr Paseuth Phothisane last Thursday has welcomed the Lao para athletes who had won medals at 5th Asean Para Games in Malaysia, held between between 15-19 August.

The Lao athletes won a silver medal and a bronze medal from the Powerlifting competition.

Dr Kesone Sisongkham, leader of Lao National team said that the Lao Paralympic Committee sent 14 disabled athletes to compete in three events, such as male volleyball, wheelchair basketball and power lifting,
The Lao team managed to win two medals from power lifting, for the 48 kg and 67kg categories.

The silver medalist, Mr Eay Simay competed in the 48kg category and he lifted 155kg and the bronze medalist, Mr Mone Xayyavong, competed in the 67kg division and he lifted 135kg.

Source: kpl, ecom

The Vientiane Public Health Department has ordered sets of formalin and borax tests from Thailand , aiming to ensure food safety for locals and visitors during and after the SEA Games this December.

Head of the Food and Drug Division of the department, Dr Somchine Singhalath said he was unsure of the exact date when medical teams would carry out tests.

“When the testing kits arrive in Vientiane we will immediately begin tests,” he said.

Medical teams will check food quality in hotels, restaurants, markets and roadside vendors.

Dr Somchine said the tests are not being introduced specifically for the SEA Games.

“We do such work regularly. But this time, we will work even harder to ensure all people are being provided with clean and healthy food,” he said.

During the inspections, medical staff will also advise vendors and businesses to ensure all the utensils they use for preparing and serving food are kept clean.

All hotels, restaurants and other food stalls in Vientiane should be free from formalin, borax and other chemical substances.

District medical officials are responsible for conducting food quality tests in their respective districts.

Many food traders import frozen foods that may have been treated with chemicals.

Vendors also use formalin to extend the age of food sold at markets, while borax is used to enhance processed meat goods such as meat balls and sausages.

The use of such chemicals poses serious dangers for consumers.

Formalin can damage the human nervous system while borax can damage the digestive system. Exposure to formalin and borax over an extended period of time can lead to serious health affects.

If people eat food treated with formaldehyde they are at increased risk of developing cancer, according to the Ministry of Health's Food and Drug Department.

Dr Somchine urged all food vendors to operate ethical businesses. They should place their customers' health above financial gains, he said.

Under Lao law, vendors who sell unsafe food that leads to a customer's illness are responsible for the cost of medical treatment and other associated costs.

If a member of the public falls ill or dies as a result of eating unsafe food the vendor is punished under criminal law.

“If we find vendors using form alin or borax in their food, we will immediately destroy the goods, and the vendors will be warned and/or fined,” Dr Somchine said, adding, public participation was also very important in monitoring and apprehending traders undertaking illegal practices.

If people suspect food containing formaldehyde, borax or other dangerous chemicals is being sold at hotels, restaurants or a local market they can contact the Vientiane Public Health Department or the Food and Drug Department of the Ministry of Health.



By Xayxana Leukai
Vientianetimes

(KPL) The Organising Committee for the 25th SEA Games of the Lao PDR approved Champa, frangipani - the national flower, as the symbol of the 25th SEA Games, on 17 August.

A licence of distributing artificial Champa flower based on an agreement of the National Institute of Social Science, was granted to the Champa Lao Handicraft Production Group, as an agent.

The main objective is to make known that Champa is the symbolic flower of Laos - a unique nation, and the artificial flower will given as a gift and souvenirs for athletes, domestic and foreign guests to the Games.

It is also a promotion of Lao handicrafts, made by the Champa Lao Handicraft Production Group, located at Tanmisay village, Saythany district, Vientiane Capital.
At present, the vases of artificial Champa flowers are already available for sale.A part of proceeds from the distribution of Champa flowers will go to the 25th SEA Games Fund.

The agreement for distributing artificial flowers was signed on 17 August at the Lao National Sports Committee, between the Deputy Head of the Sub-Committee for Marketing and Copyright Chanpheng Silattana, and Head of the Champa Lao Handicraft Production Group Bouapha Phanthavong.

The Lao judo squad's chances of success at the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane this December received a boost after they won three gold medals in the East Asia Judo Championship 2009 at Lao-ITECC last week.

The sixteen member squad claimed second place at the tournament after winning three gold, two silver and 18 bronze medals.

Judo fighters from Indonesia , Myanmar , Singapore , Thailand , Vietnam , Malaysia and Laos competed in the championships which were held over two days, August 6-7.

Ms Mayouly Phanouvong won a gold medal in the 45kg category, while Ms Phonevanh Si-amphone won a silver medal in the women's 48kg category.

The two later combined to win a gold medal in the women's pair event.

Ms Mayouly and Ms Phonevanh claimed gold in the event at the last SEA Games in 2007 and are confident of retaining their title later this year.

Ms Phonevanh said she was overcome by the power of her Vietnamese opponent in her gold medal bout at the championships.

She said the Vietnamese fighters will pose a strong threat to the Lao team at the games later this year.

President of the Lao Judo Federation, Mr Khemsath Philaphandeth said the championships were a great success and provided all athletes in the region an opportunity to gain some match practice before the SEA Games commence.

Mr Khemsath thanked the competition organising committee and the athletes who attended the event. He expressed his hope that many will return to compete at the games.

The federation will add athletes to compete in the judo dancing style event to the SEA Games squad.



Results of the East Asia Judo Championship 2009:



Country Gold Silver Bronze



Vietnam 11 4 1

Laos 3 2 18

Myanmar 2 4 2

Thailand 0 3 4

Indonesia 0 2 2

Singapore 0 1 2

Some bronze medals were awarded to third and fourth placer getters.

By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes

The 25th SEA Games Security Committee reported this week that officials are working to provide a safe and secure environment before the games commence in December this year.

Brigadier General Toula Inthathilath said the committee is cooperating with military forces and district and village security officers to investigate suspected troublemakers.

Of particular concern are criminals who are repeat offenders and continue to commit crimes after release from prison.

“These criminals continue on a life of crime and continue to be involved in anti-social behaviour such as drug dealing and robbery,” he said.

Brigadier General Toula, who is also Deputy Minister of Public Security believes many of the city's crime problems stem from criminals who don't realise the error of their ways and continue to commit crimes after release from prison.

“When they return to crime, the courts will increase their sentences,” he said.

The Ministry of Public Security recently held a meeting to encourage security officials around the nation to continue to crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly in Vientiane where the SEA Games will be held.

“The meeting urged participants from around the country to work on the ministry's plan for security. Vientiane is a high priority for social order and security in the lead-up to the games and other important events in the future,” Brigadier General Toula said.

Security officials have advised people to take steps to avoid becoming victims of crime, including locking their houses at night and not driving on isolated and unlit streets late at night.

According to the Vientiane Mai newspaper, a monthly meeting of Vientiane administration officials received reports of security issues in the city in June and July.

Around 160 cases ranging from drug dealing, bag snatching, robbery and assault were reported. Security officials solved 97 cases and arrested 192 people, Vientiane Mai reported.

In the same period there were 99 road accidents with five fatalities, according to the newspaper.

“We believe by targeting the right groups of criminals we can make Vientiane a safe, secure and peaceful city for all,” Brigadier General Toula said.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes