YANGON, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The 5th National Sports Festival of Myanmar concluded in Nay Pyi Taw on Friday, the official daily The Global New Light of Myanmar reported.
During the closing event, Chairman of Myanmar's State Administration Council Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that it is a grand national festival that demonstrates unity and peace, and reflects the resilience, strength, and pride of the entire nation.
The event featured performances by athletes from the Myanmar Martial Arts Sports Federation, traditional dances by ethnic groups, and aerobic dances by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. Fireworks marked the successful completion of the festival.
The festival aimed to improve Myanmar's sports standards, achieve success in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, produce qualified athletes, encourage close ties between regions, states, and ministries, promote sports and inspire the public to participate in sports activities, the report said.
It included over 10,000 participants and featured six sports events for government ministries, 23 for regions and states, and 4 for athletes with disabilities, it added.
The first National Sports Festival was held in Yangon in 1992, according to the official report. ■
