( 1 ) Myanmar athletes winning medals in international events due to zeal, discipline, unyielding spirit and unprecedented encouragement given by nation

Secretary-1 attends ceremony to honour victorious Myanmar U-17 football team

Yangon, 7 March - A ceremony to honour Myanmar youth football team, which won the championship trophy and the fair play award in the first ASEAN U-17 Football Tournament held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 19 February to 2 March this year was held at the Karaweik Palace in Kandawgyi here at 7 pm today, attended by Chairman of the Myanmar National Olympic Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were ministers, the mayor of Yangon, deputy ministers, the vice-mayor, members of MNOC, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the director-general of the Sports and Physical Education Depart-ment, officials, representatives of social organizations, presidents of sports federations, the manager and the coach of the Myanmar youth team and participants and guests. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an address on the occasion. He said that it was turning a leave of a new history of football in Myanmar to win the championship trophy and the fair play award at a tournament since Myanmar team which used to be a top one in Asia once was away from the championship trophy for about 30 years.

On behalf of the State, Myanmar National Olympic Council and Myanmar football fans, the Secretary-1 extended honour to the under- 17 Myanmar football team which brought honour to the country. The team is worthy of honour because its members have carried out a national task uplift of national prestige for being able to make a record in history as the first champion in the First ASEAN U-17 Youth Football Tournament. Over 30 years ago, Myanmar and its athletes had a tradition of dominating various sports events including football in Asia and Southeast Asia. Athletes who were famous not only in Asia but also in the world used to come out of Myanmar. In Asia youth soccer tournaments, Myanmar team shared championship trophy four times with Indonesia in 1961, with South Korea in 1963, with Israel in 1964 and with Thailand in 1969. And it won championship two times in 1966 and 1972.

Owing to these successes, of the youth team, Myanmar national football team emerged champion in Southeast Asian soccer tournaments in 1965, 1967, 1969, 1971 and 1973.

Myanmar won the champion in Asian soccer in 1966 and 1970. Afterwards, the level of the Myanmar sports came to a decline due to various reasons. The nation did not win any victory in any sports event for a certain period. As the government holds the conviction

"Winning victories in the international sports events amounts to raising the prestige of the nation and the people" and " The success in the sport reflects the cultural standard of the nation and the people and their progress" it has given encouragement for progress of Myanmar sports with national outlook. As the State is giving encouragement to the sports, the departments, social organizations, literary, theatrical, music and motion picture associations, wellwishers, sports fans and the public are rallying behind the government in providing assistance for sport development to an unprecedented degree.

Especially, the national entrepreneurs who are the successful business persons are giving special encouragement to development of a particular branch of sports. It is one the significance of the present era. Due to unprecedented encouragement rendered by the people and the modern sports equipment and training methods that are available in the nation, the athletes are able to win medals in the international events with zeal, discipline and unyielding spirit. In the wushu, judo, weightlifting, bodybuilding, archery, rowing and yachting, the nation is winning medals in not only the Southeast Asia level, but also in the international level events. But the soccer, which can be said the national sports, did not get a victory in any international event, although the Myanmar teams entered the quarterfinal or the seminal final or won the second prize due to the people's support. But these results show that Myanmar soccer was improving stage by stage. Soccer is the most popular sports in Myanmar.

Thus, it can be said that the success achieved in the sports did not reach the satisfactory level when pondered with the assistance and support provided by the government, the public and the national entrepreneurs . He then praised the Kanbawza Bank Limited for its support to raise the Myanmar soccer level. Beginning 2000, the bank is providing training cost and the cost of hiring coaches for the Myanmar selected soccer men and women's teams and the Myanmar youth team. Moreover, it has borne expenditure for soccer matches, presented cash awards, sponsored soccer matches, provided assistance for Myanmar soccer team to take part in matches abroad and given modern sports equipment, track-suits and transport services. Kanbawza Bank Ltd has provided K 74.8 million for Myanmar soccer teams at different levels through the National Olympic Council since year 2000. It has spent K 123.4 million, over US $ 30,000 and 550,000 baht on sport wares for Myanma selected soccer team and holding local and foreign soccer matches.

 So, the National Olympic Council greatly thanks and honours Kanbawza Company Ltd for its contribution to the plan of the Government to improve Myanmar soccer standard. The Government has held inter-state/division soccer matches, invitational soccer matches and local soccer matches, and trained new generation youths for under-16, under-17 and under-20 Myanma selected teams. The under-17 Myanma selected teams were formed with the youths from various regions, who were chosen by responsible officials at soccer matches held all over the nation. Therefore, the new generation youths have bright prospects. In addition, favourable conditions are emerging to strengthen Myanma selected team by nurturing new generation youths. As Myanma youths played with tenacity, perseverance and unity in all the matches, Myanma selected team won the first under-17 ASEAN soccer championship and fair play award. So they need to continue to make efforts to be able to win matches in future.

It is believed that if the new generation youths try their utmost, the golden days of Myanma soccer will come back soon. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 lauded the efforts of the footballers and called on them to continue to try to achieve more success. The Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented certificates of honour and honorary awards to manager of the team Deputy Director-General of SPED U Thein Aung, coaches and participants and the first session adjourned for a while. Then, the second session followed.

Team Manager U Thein Aung reported on participants made for participating in the tourney and recounted the experiences. The State Peace and Development Council presented K 11 million for the victorious youth team; MNOC US$ 11,000; MOC US$ 1,100; U Moe Myint (Myint & Associate Co Ltd) US$ 3,000; Kanzawba Bank K 22 million; Yangon City Development Committee K 4.4 million; Myanmar Women's Sports Federation K 200,000; Shwe Than Lwin Co K 2.2 million; A Yar Mye Companies Group K 2.2 million; Silver Elephant Co, Myanma Sunshine Co and Asia Wealth Bank Ltd and Ruby Dragon Col K 1.1 million each; Panther Co Ltd and Dagon Team K 500,000 each; Premium Marketing Co Ltd K 307,500; the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and the Ministry of Commerce k 450,000 each; Daw Aye Aye Kyi (Myanmar Women's Sports Federation) K 100,000; the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Finance and Revenue K 150,000 each; and Myanmar entrepreneurs in Malaysia and Myanmar fans 10,593 Malaysia Ringgits through Chairman of Committee for Ensuring Success of Myanma Sports Mayor U Ko Lay and Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint. Afterwards, Myanmar youth team captain Tun Tun Win spoke words of thanks. Later, the guests, together with the victorious athletes, enjoyed the dinner.

( 3 ) 57th Armed Forces Day commemorative computer quiz held

 Yangon, 7 March-A computer quiz competition was held in commemoration of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day at the 'twelve objectives' booth of the Directorate of Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute on Shwedagon Pagoda Road in Dagon Township here this morning, attended by Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo of the Ministry of Defence. Also present on the occasion were Director of Resettlements of the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director of Medical Services Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han, Executive of Yangon Division Union Solidarity and Development Association U Min Thein, Secretary of Yangon East District USDA U Tin Aung, Executive of Yangon West District USDA U Moe Win Kyaw, Assistant Lecturer of the University for Computer Studies U Khin Maung Win, Tamway Township USDA Executive U San Shein, contestants and others. Brig-Gen Aung Thein explained the purpose of the competition. USDA members from Tamway, Kamayut and Thanlyin Townships took part in the competition. Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Brig-Gen Aung Thein and Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han viewed the competition.

( 4 ) USDA Secretary-General receives Ambassador

Yangon, 7 March - Secretary-General of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Than Aung received Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Union of Myanmar Mr Oleg V Kabanov at USDA Head Office this evening. Also present at the call were CEC members of USDA Brig-Gen Khin Maung, Brig-Gen Thein Aung and officials of the head office.

Minister receives Chinese delegations

Yangon, 7 March - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received delegates of ZTE Corporation of the People's Republic of China Mr Zhang Chong Ke and Mr Jhon Lee, and China National Electronic Import & Export, Shenzhen Co Mr James Guo and Mr Zhang Jinxiu at his office at 5 pm and 6 pm respectively. Also present at the calls were officials of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications.

( 5 ) 643 gem merchants arrive

Yangon, 7 March-A total of 643 gem merchants  425 from 186 companies in ten foreign countries and 218 from 85 local companies  have arrived here to attend the 39th Myanma Gems Emporium 2002 being held at Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road. A total of 324 gem merchants are from 147 companies in Hong Kong, 13 gem merchants from eight companies in Japan, 17 gem merchants from six companies in the People's Republic of China, 52 gem merchants from 13 companies in Thailand, nine gem merchants from five companies in Singapore, one gem merchant from one company in Russian Federation, four gem merchants from three companies in USA, two gem merchants from one company in Ukraine, one gem merchant from one company in Malaysia, and two gem merchants from one company in Austria. The gem merchants viewed the gems on display at the emporium for the third day from 9 am to 5 pm. jade lots will be sold through tender and competitive bidding on 8, 9 and 11 March 2002.

Minister views Myanma Gems Emporium

Yangon, 7 March- Patron of Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, accompanied by Deputy Minister U Myint Thein, arrived at the 39th Myanma Gems Emporium 2002 at the hall of Myanma Gems Museum on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this afternoon. Secretary of the central committee Managing Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise U Khin Oo and members welcomed the minister and the deputy minister at the emporium. Then, the minister and the deputy minister viewed the private jewellery shops, jewellery of MGE and mosaic at the ground floor, jade exhibited in the compound of the building and gems lots and pearl lots at the top floor. Afterwards, the minister and the deputy minister inspected the auction hall of Myanma Gems Emporium and extended greetings to local and foreign gem merchants.

Winners of Armed Forces Day poetry competitions announced

Yangon, 7 March - As a gesture hailing the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, the 27th March, 2002, winners of poetry and arts competitions organized by the working committee for holding the poetry and arts competitions chaired by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt (Htilar Sitthu), were announced today. In long poem level 1, Chit Daung Nwe, Yenantha Maung Kyaw Nyunt and Maung Wam Tun (Sale) stood first, second and third respectively. Mahura Saw Lwin (Pakokku), Zalun Lwam Kyaw and Maung Ni Hmaing (Kyauktan) won consolation prizes.

 In short poem level 1, Aphaukmye Maung Swe Mon won the first prize; Pyinmana Myint Hlaing, the second; and Maung Maung Moe Aung, the third. Maung Soe Myat (Chaung Oo), Zarni, Bontaungmye Ne Oo Khet, Pyin Si Aung (Khayadaw) and Maung Thin Pyant (Kyaikhtaw) won the consolation prizes. In long poem level 2, Shwenyatha Myat Min stood first; Shwe Aye (Minhla), second; and Swanwai (Zigon), third. Yin Zaw Oo (Phyu), Maung Thet Hnin (N/Oka), Kyaw Htin Aung (Hsinhmeswea), Kethayaza (Hpa-an) and Malar Aung won consolation prizes.

In short poem level 2, the first prize went to Chan Aung Myin (Yawmye), the second prize to Maung Myema (Phabon), and the third prize to Swanwai (Zigon). Tekkatho Chaw Ei Zin, Min Zan Nay Hlaing (Pwintphyu), Minthwaynwe (Zigon), Dawbon Maung Hla Chaw, Lwan Htaik Aung (Pinlaung), Ko Yin Chan Myeh, Khunthit Aung (Yay) and Aung Cheint Moe took away consolation prizes. The poems of the winners are of high standard and in conformity with Myanmar poem-composing rules. They expressed the fine traditions of Myanmar Tatmadaw from various points of view.

 In appreciation of the merits of poets, prizes were increased from 27 to 33. Prizes will be presented to the winners of the first, second and third prizes at the prize-presentation ceremony in commemoration of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day which will be held in Yangon on 27 March 2002, and the rest will be given at the Armed Forces Day ceremonies of respective commands on the same day. The first, second and third prize winners are requested to inform Secretary of the Working Committee Lt-Col Ohn Maung (Retd) (Myinmu Maung Naing Moe), Chief Editor of Naing Ngan Gonyi magazine, Tel : 274532, on 22 March.

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( 6 ) 51st Central Council Meeting, 7th Conference of MRCS to be held

Yangon, 7 March - The 51st Central Council Meeting and 7th Conference of the Myanmar Red Cross Society will be held at the assembly hall of the Institute of Nursing in Yangon at 9 am on 8 April 2002 (Monday) and on 9 April (Tuesday) 2002, respectively, it is learnt.

Cash donated in honour of MWJA Conference

Yangon, 7 March - Hailing the third Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association Conference, Vice-Chairman of the committee for compiling the book "Nation-building endeavours (Vol.4)" Adviser to the Ministry of Information U Kyaw Hsan (Thu Khi Aung), on behalf of the committee, donated K 50,000 to the MWJA at a ceremony held at the parlour of the Sarpay Beikman Building on Merchant Street this morning. Present on the occasion were MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Vice-Chairman U Tin Kha (Tekkatho Tin Kha), Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay), Joint-Secretary U Myint Kywe (Maung Myint Kywe), CEC member U Khin Swe (Shwe Sun Nyo), Chief Editor of Naing Ngant Gonyi magazine U Ohn Maung (Myinmu Maung Naing Moe) and officials. Vice-Chairman U Kyaw handed over 50,000 kyats to MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), who later presented a certificate of honour to the wellwisher. Afterwards, the ceremony came to an end.