Burma Prepares To Send Athletes To Olympics
By Peter Aung
Burma will field a confirmed four athletes in the upcoming London Olympics, according to the government’s Sports and Physical Education Department.
A senior SPED official told DVB that the athletes would compete in shooting, archery and rowing events.
Representing the country is Maung Kyu for shooting, Nay Myo Aung for archery and Shwe Zin Latt for rowing.
“Because we aren’t exactly qualified, only three are confirmed [to compete],” said secretary of the Myanmar Olympics Committee Khin Maung Lwin.
The secretary said more athletes still have time to clinch a spot at the games.
Nilar San, who competes in the women’s marathon event, and Thet Zaw Win, who is training for the men’s for 400 metre sprint, are hoping to book a ticket to London.
However, Burmese sports officials admit bringing home a medal would be an extraordinary feat.
“Since there will be contestants from various countries, it would be hard to aim for the medals but we will try,” said Dr Khin Moe Moe of the Myanmar Rowing and Canoeing Federation.
Burma competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in archery, swimming, rowing and track and field events but failed to win any medals.
The 2012 London Olympics Games will host more than 10,000 athletes from over 200 countries. The games kick off on 27 July.
