Not only athletes but every citizen must possess a strong sense of re­sponsibility to safe­guard the country.

State Security and Peace Com­mission Chairman and Defence Services Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivered a speech at the ceremony to honour Tatmadaw members and coaches who secured medals in the XIX Asian Games, the XXXIII SEA Games and the XIII ASEAN Para Games, at Bayintnaung Villa in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday afternoon.

Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General said that at the XIX Asian Games, the Myanmar Sepak Takraw team, which included one Tatmadaw member, won a team gold medal. At the XXXIII South- East Asia Games, Myanmar competed in 38 sports, and Tatmadaw members con­tributed to the country’s performance by winning one silver medal and five bronze medals in four sports. Similarly, Tatmad­aw member coaches also demonstrated their capabilities in sports such as rowing, weightlifting, boxing, Wushu, and wres­tling, helping secure four silver medals and ten bronze medals.

Additionally, he continued that the XIII ASEAN Para Games held earlier this year comprised a total of 19 sports. Among them, Tatmadaw member ath­letes competed in athletics, sitting vol­leyball, football, and goalball, winning five gold medals, six silver medals, and three bronze medals. Likewise, Tatmad­aw member coaches also demonstrated their capabilities by helping secure two gold medals, three silver medals, and four bronze medals. It was stated that the medals won represent achievements of great pride not only for the nation but also for Tatmadaw.

The Senior General stated that the spirit of “never yielding and never giving up” fostered through sports is closely linked to nation-building. Not giving up on oneself and not giving up on one’s team means safeguarding one’s dignity, and at the same time preserving the image of the nation from decline. It was further emphasized that not only athletes but every citizen must possess a strong sense of responsibility to protect and safeguard the country. Only when such awareness is alive in the hearts of all citizens will it be possible to defend the nation against dangers that may seek to cause its dete­rioration and destruction.

At today’s ceremony, he highlighted that Tatmadaw member athletes and coaches who have enhanced the honour of the nation and Tatmadaw will be rec­ognized with honorary certificates from the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Ser­vices, certificates of commendation, cash awards, and promotions in rank.

The Senior General presented the honorary certificate of the Command­er-in-Chief of Defence Services, the cer­tificate of honour and cash awards to gold medallists in the XIX Asian Games, the XXXIII SEA Games and the XIII ASEAN Para Games.

Commission Vice-Chairman Vice-Senior General Soe Win gave the honorary certificate of the Command­er-in-Chief of Defence Services, the cer­tificate of honour and cash awards to gold medallists in the XIII ASEAN Para Games and the XXXIII SEA Games.

Commission members and senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief also handed the honorary certificate of the Command­er-in-Chief of Defence Services, the cer­tificate of honour and cash awards to the victorious athletes and coaches.

Warrant Officer II Soe Pay, on behalf of the winners, spoke words of thanks.

The Senior General and party hosted a tea party for the outstanding Tatmadaw member medallists and coaches.

After the ceremony, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla and party cordially greeted the vic­torious athletes and coaches.

Also, present at the ceremony were Daw Than Than Nwe, the wife of the Vice-Senior General, Commission Secre­tary General Ye Win Oo and his wife, Com­mission members and their wives, Union ministers, and officials. — MNA/TTA