Students and officials from the National University of Laos on Saturday attend the closing ceremony of the Asean University Games in Udon Ratchathani province, Thailand. --Photo Lao University Sports Federation

Asean students enjoy success, friendship at University Games

Student sports teams from Asean countries on Saturday enjoyed receiving medals and said how much they enjoyed the Asean University Games, which took place from July 26 to August 6 in Udon Ratchathani province, Thailand. 
The students competed at their highest level in every sport, aiming to set a new personal best record.
All of the students said they enjoyed the friendly atmosphere, even if they didn’t win a medal.
The Games were important in developing sports in the region and building friendships among students.
They plan to meet up again at the next Asean University Games, which will be hosted by Indonesia in 2024.
The Lao students were pleased with their medal haul and also took the chance of friendly interaction to let people know about Laos’ culture and the country’s goal to boost regional connectivity and integration.
The Lao team placed sixth after winning five gold, eight silver and 18 bronze medals.
The five gold medals came from petanque, muay and pencak silat events, while the eight silver medals were awarded for e-sports, petanque, muay, karatedo, track and field events.
In addition, the team picked up 20 bronze medals in taekwondo, muay, pencak silat, petanque, sepak takraw, karatedo, and track and field events.
Some 200 students and officials from Laos attended the Games, competing in track and field, petanque, muay, taekwondo, karatedo, pencak silat, men’s football, sepak takraw, beach volleyball, badminton, table tennis and e-sports events. 
Host Thailand topped the medal table with 109 gold, 61 silver and 42 bronze medals and maintained the top ranking at the Games for a third time.
The Games comprised 23 sports with 236 gold medals up for grabs.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update August 9, 2022)