YANGON, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's traditional sport Chinlone proved its enduring strength and cultural pride by securing gold medals in both the women's and men's team events at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Thailand.
Win Tint, vice president of the Myanmar Chinlone Federation, said Myanmar had strong confidence in winning because Chinlone is a traditional sport with a solid foundation in the country.
Winning a gold medal is not easy and many challenges were encountered at this year's SEA Games. In previous SEA Games, several Chinlone events were held, but this year only one type of event was allowed, he said.
Chinlone was first included in the SEA Games in 2013, and Myanmar has won gold medals in every SEA Games Chinlone competition since then, he said.
To develop Chinlone, the federation has organized local competitions, provided systematic training in schools and teacher training institutions, and prepared players for international tournaments, he said.
Myanmar is also working to include Chinlone in the Olympic Games in the future, Win Tint said.
For the players, the journey to gold was both challenging and rewarding. Aye Aye Thant, 36, the women's team captain, said, "This is my third time competing at the SEA Games. The competition was especially intense this year, as only one type of event was included, unlike previous editions, which featured multiple events."
"We tried our best and secured first place. It was truly deserving of our efforts, even though I felt very stressed and exhausted. Winning amid many difficulties made it even more memorable," she said.
Su Twal Tar, 25, highlighted the team's long preparation and sense of pride. "We trained in camp for 10 months and gave our best, which helped us win first prize," she said.
Two Myanmar Chinlone teams, each including eight players, competed in the SEA Games.
"This is my second time participating in the SEA Games, and I feel proud to showcase our country's traditional sport among many nations," she added.
Aung Pyae Phyo Oo, 21, competed in the SEA Games for the first time. "I started playing Chinlone when I was eight. Watching my father and grandfather play inspired me to start," he said.
"Winning first prize in my first SEA Games was a truly joyful moment," he said. "By winning gold, more people are learning about Chinlone," he added.
Wai Yan Phyo, 30, the men's team captain, described the sport as both inclusive and meaningful.
"Through Chinlone, I've met and worked with many people," he said. "It is a low-cost sport that supports health and promotes unity. Balance and teamwork are essential."
He noted that competition has grown significantly stronger. "In previous competitions, other countries were not very strong in Chinlone. But this year, all competitors improved because they trained hard. That made this year's competition more intense than before," he said.
He added that regular inclusion of Chinlone in the SEA Games would further strengthen the sport. "If Chinlone is included every year, more young people will take up the sport, talented players will be discovered, and international awareness of Chinlone will increase."
At the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, hosted by Thailand from Dec. 9 to 20, Myanmar earned over 70 medals, including three gold medals, two from Chinlone and one from billiards. ■
