The National Games for Lao P.D.R. were hosted by Luang Prabang Province for 2 weeks this last December. Currently the National Games occur every four years around the country in provinces like Champassak, Vientiane, Savannakhet and Luang Prabang.
This year marked the ninth National Games and the second time they have been in Luang Prabang. The first time they were in Luang Prabang was in 1997 with 1,668 athletes from only ten provinces. This year was a much larger affair with 3,790 athletes from 17 provinces. The games have grown steadily over the years, becoming larger with every edition, and contributing significantly to sporting development in Laos.
Often when you think about a National sporting competition you might think the event is of Olympic sized proportions. Well, this was not, but it was fascinating to see the spirit of the games and their influence on Lao people, particularly the youth. Lao does not have many organized sporting events, especially outside of the more urban areas in the country. Regardless of the size of the sporting events, it was inspiring to see athletes compete and give people a sense of National pride and accomplishment.
The games that were featured were track and field, football, basketball, boxing, boat racing, volleyball and beach volleyball, tennis, swimming, petanque, shooting, sepak takraw, top spinning, crossbow, muay lao, wushu, karatedo, pencak silat, taekwondo, judo, cycling, table tennis, golf, bowling and wrestling. Luang Prabang was the winner of the National Games with 165 medals (48 Gold, 44 Silver and 73 Bronze).
I really felt lucky to have been here in Luang Prabang to witness these games and take part in celebrating sportsmanship. Honestly, I had no idea how much I missed watching sports until these games began and I found myself attending more and more (especially women’s basketball, who became National champs)!
Here are some shots of what I saw at the 9th edition of the National Games…
Parachuters make a grand entrance to the opening of the games by landing in the National Stadium.National marching band makes an entrance to the stadium. I had never seen them before! They were great!Luang Prabang athletes making their way around the stadium to loud cheers from spectators at the opening.Luang Prabang youth participate with opening ceremony entertainment. There were flag bearers, traditional song and dance and many ethnic groups represented during this massive performance.The Muay Lay Lao, Lao boxing was really impressive to see in synchronized formation.The rooster was the mascot of the 9th edition of the games. A torch bearer lit the fire followed by illuminating fireworks.Petanque court at the new sports complex that was built primarily for the games. Petanque is the French name of the sport we commonly know as Bache Ball.Volleyball was surprisingly popular amongst spectators. Most arenas were limited with seating so you would usually see the entrances packed with people.Here is traditional archery. The bow and arrows are made out of wood and bamboo. They were all exceptional marksmen.I was pleasantly surprised to see that they had top spinning in the games. I have seen this game played many times at the JWOC Language School in Muang Nga by the young Hmong students. This game is a traditional Hmong sport that is played seasonally every year.Here a fan shows off his team spirit when the volleyball team from Vientiane scored their winning point.Football was one of the most popular sports featured at the games. This game finished 0-0, but then became extremely exciting once it when to the final shoot outs with Luang Prabang winning 6 to Champassak’s 5 goals.Rattan ball is something you will see almost anywhere you go in Laos. All is required is a ball woven by bamboo. It is an impressive game to watch, requiring players to use their feet to get the ball over the net. You would be amazed to see the flexibility, height and force these players demonstrate during the game.Lanoy, who is the captain of the Luang Prabang Women’s Basketball team is carried by a fellow Luang Prabang basketball player from the Men’s team, celebrating her leadership to winning the Gold against Vientiane’s Capital team!
2 comments on “Lao P.D.R National games in Luang Prabang”
Nicole, this looks like great fun! I’m so glad you got to go. I’d love to see rattan ball and top spinning played.
Thanks for your recommendation of Another Quiet American – Brett Dakin. I’m in the middle of it now. Andy and Camilla recommended Colin Cotterill to us. LOVE Dr. Siri. We’ve read everything Cotterill has written.
Nicole, this looks like great fun! I’m so glad you got to go. I’d love to see rattan ball and top spinning played.
Thanks for your recommendation of Another Quiet American – Brett Dakin. I’m in the middle of it now. Andy and Camilla recommended Colin Cotterill to us. LOVE Dr. Siri. We’ve read everything Cotterill has written.
Thanks for posting this.
Take good care.
Janet