NAY PYI TAW, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar officially launched its fifth National Sports Festival on Monday at Wunna Theikdi Stadium in the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw.

Myanmar's State Administration Council Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing inaugurated the event. The opening ceremony included vibrant traditional cultural performances, a parade of athletes, and a torch-lighting ceremony.

The festival features six sports events for government ministries, 23 sports events for regions and states, and four sports events for disabled athletes. The sports events included traditional Myanmar games such as Chinlone (cane ball), and globally popular sports like football, athletics, swimming, basketball, and martial arts.

About 12,000 athletes are participating in the sports events, showcasing their talents and competitive spirit.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that the sports festival was held with the objectives: to further enhance the country's sports standards, to prepare for and achieve success in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games and other international sports competitions, to produce elite athletes and nurture a new generation of promising young athletes who can bring pride to the nation, to foster friendship among states, regions, and ministries while promoting sports activities, and to encourage public interest in sports and greater participation in sports activities.

Myanmar held its first National Sports Festival in Yangon in 1992, and the fourth edition was held in Nay Pyi Taw in 2015.

The fifth National Sports Festival will run until December 20. Enditem

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