Lao runner Lodkeo Inthakoumman (second right) competes in the women’s 1,500 metre race at the SEA Games in Vietnam last month. --Photo Lao Athletics Federation

Lao athletes power up for National Games

Athletes across Laos are gearing up to compete at the National Games, which will take place in Xieng Khuang province in November and December.
The capital Vientiane, provinces and ministries will all field teams to represent them at the much anticipated event, which has been postponed three times for various reasons.
Among the eager competitors will be the medalists from the SEA Games in Vietnam last month, who will be looking for more victories in their chosen sport.
Provincial football federations are staging League 2 matches, while other federations are organising other sporting events, as they look to select the best athletes for competition at the National Games.
Sports federations will also be on the lookout for star performers to compete at the 32nd edition of the SEA Games in Cambodia in May next year.
The National Games will feature 28 sports. Xieng Khuang sports officials will ensure that the main stadium is in perfect condition for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as track and field events, while a budget is being drawn up to fund the work of the competition organising committee, repair facilities, provide accommodation, and prepare other amenities.
Provincial officials will prepare performers for the opening ceremony but will limit the number of people attending. 
The last National Games was hosted by Oudomxay province in 2014, while the 12th edition of the games is currently scheduled to take place in Vientiane next year.
Laos’ top female runner Lodkeo Inthakoumman came fourth in the women’s 1,500 metres at the SEA Games in Vietnam last month, and will represent Vientiane province in the women’s 800 metre and 1,500 metre events at the National Games, where she has high hopes of winning at least one gold medal.
After returning from Vietnam she is training regularly in Vientiane and plans to compete in friendly mini-marathon events in Thailand this year.
She was unable to compete in mini-marathons in Thailand last year because of the Covid-19 outbreak, so she is looking forward to striding out and setting a good pace when these races are rescheduled.

 

By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
(Latest Update June 8, 2022)