25th SEA Games, Laos

Singapore 's men's water polo team was the surprise winner of the first gold medal of the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane yesterday.

The Singaporean side dominated, remaining unbeaten in the round robin tournament by beating Indonesia 14-5, thrashing the Philippines 8-1 and finishing the job with an 8-5 win over Thailand .

There were only four teams in the event this year; the Philippines took silver and Indonesia won bronze.

Results of men's water polo

December 5:

Singapore vs. Indonesia (14-5)

Philippines vs. Thailand (6-4)

December 6:

Singapore vs. Philippines (8-1)

Indonesia vs. Thailand (11-8)

December 7:

Philippines vs. Indonesia (13-8)

Singapore vs. Thailand (8-5)

vientianetimes

(KPL) ASEAN Water Polo Federation and FINA referees and members recently has sent four experts to train Lao officials and volunteers from Lao National Swimming Federation as well as inspected a new arena construction site at Km 16 in Xaythany district.

The Philippines sent a number of experts to train 30 Lao volunteers from the Lao Swimming Federation at Kavin College from 29-30 May.

The three experts taught the rules and techniques of water polo. A Two day training was attended by Deputy President of Lao National Swimming Federation Mr Phankham Vongkhanti and some officials from the federation. One team consists of seven players, including a goal keeper. As in football, the goal is to get the ball into the opponent?s net.

With legs and feet busy keeping players a float, it is up to the hands and arms to guide the ball towards its destination, or block opposition attack.

The Philippines is ready to support Lao water polo players if the Swimming Federation were able to organise a team for the SEA Games.

The Lao Swimming Federation said it was unable to prepare a team to compete in the event because water polo was too new sport for the Lao people, which Laos has never competed in water polo in the SEA Games or at any other international event.

Water Polo Federation referees and members inspected the competition site last week at Km 16 in Xaythany district.

The pool is completed and the site is ready to go.

Lao Swimming Federation President Soutthanome Inthavong said the Singaporean federation would provide some of the budget for the organisation of water polo events including improving the skills of volunteers and referees.

Philippines CAASF TWPC member Mr Luisito Mangahis, VP Water Polo SSA (AASF TWPC member) Mr Tan Hong Teck and FINA-listed referee Mr Nicholas Tan held a training course for 30 Lao volunteers from the Lao Swimming Federation and Kavin College from May 29-30.

The three experts taught the rules and techniques employed in the sport. It is hoped the volunteers will be able to help run the water polo event after completing the training course.

The Lao Swimming Federation said it was unable to prepare a team to compete in the event because water polo was too new a sport for the Lao people.

Laos has never competed in water polo in the SEA Games or at any other international forum.

One team consists of seven players, including a goal keeper. As in football, the goal is to get the ball into the opponent's net.

With legs and feet busy keeping players afloat, it is up to the hands and arms to guide the ball towards its destination, or block opposition attack.

Mr Tan said his organisation was ready to support Lao water polo players if the Swimming Federation were able to organise a team for the SEA Games.

By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes