Monday, October 19, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
U-23 football event not just for 22-year-olds
Many people wonder why Thailand and Vietnam are sending U-19 players to the pre-SEA Games football tournament that will kick off in Vientiane on Friday, even though the invitation is for U-23 players.
General Secretary of the Lao Football Federation, Mr Soulivanh Xeunvilay, gave Vientiane Times an answer to this question yesterday, saying it was a strategic move by regionally popular teams to keep their main players under wraps.
“The U-23 category doesn't mean only 22-year-old footballers can be on the team, but that players are not any older than 23. This gives teams the leeway to send players in a wide age range and keep their main players out of sight until the actual SEA Games,” he said.
Vietnam and Thailand recently made the decision not to send their under-23 squads to participate in the pre-SEA Games tournament, instead sending their U-19 teams.
The Football Association of Thailand said its under-23 team could not participate in the tournament because many players were committed to playing in the ongoing Thai Premier League. Vietnam explained their team was busy training for the SEA Games in December, and did not want to disrupt its preparations.
The Lao Football Federation, Lao National Television and the Crossfire Company are jointly hosting the Four Nations pre-games football tournament.
The tournament will see Lao, Malaysian, Thai and Vietnamese footballers play in Vientiane from October 2-6 with the aim of testing the broadcasting system and facilities at the new National Stadium.
The tournament is playing an important role in the 25th SEA Games by testing the football pitch, broadcasting system and other aspects related to the big event.
Tickets for these matches cost 40,000 kip for general admission and 80,000 kip for VIP seating. The money from ticket sales will be used to fund local football.
The tournament is set to take place at the new National Stadium at km16 in Dongxanghin village, Xaythany district. On October 2, Thailand will take on Malaysia , and Laos will play Vietnam.
October 4 will see Malaysia up against Vietnam , and Laos facing Thailand . The last day of the tournament will pit Laos against Malaysia , and Vietnam with Thailand .
Games will kick off at 4:30pm and 7pm. All matches will be broadcast live on Lao National Television.
Crossfire reported that many people wanted to buy tickets for the event but didn't know where they were sold. Tickets will be available at M-Point Mart and at roadside Tigo stands in Vientiane , as well as during the boat racing festival at Vat Chan village in Chanthabouly district.
Source : http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/Site_SeaGames/News/News_Archive/News_U_23.htm
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Athletes need more encouragement
Standing Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the SEA Games Organising Committee, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, has urged all 25 sporting federations to further encourage athletes training for the SEA Games later this year.
“The games are rapidly approaching and encouragement for our athletes is lacking so I want all federations to boost their encouragement for those who will compete on behalf of our country,” he said at a recent meeting between the committee and federations.
He said all Lao athletes had sacrificed much in their dedication to compete for their country and could be discouraged by the lack of support from sporting officials.
He cited the example of some athletes who had returned home from training abroad because they had a sick family member but were disappointed by the lack of support from their respective federation.
“Such events leave our athletes with bad feelings and they feel there is no one to help them when they face a problem,” Mr Somsavat said.
He said if an athlete's relative fell ill federation officials should take care of that person and their family in a show of support for the athlete's dedication to their country.
Such problems may seem small and inconsequential and are easy to overlook, so the federations must take care to pay close attention to such details in the lead-up to the games, he said.
Mr Somsavat said all federations should regularly meet with their athletes to consult with them and find out if they are facing any problems.
He asked each federation to set up a team to oversee this aspect and solve any issues raised by athletes.
“Doing so will encourage athletes in their endeavours and allow them to fully concentrate on preparing for the games.”
The meeting also heard that athletes receive 45,000 kip per day for food plus 25,000 kip for additional expenses.
Mr Somsavat called for a 15,000 kip increase in the food allowance from October 1 as part of efforts to further encourage athletes.
“Each federation should discuss athletes' dietary requirements with nutritionists to ensure they are able to train and perform at their peak,” he said.
Source : http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/Site_SeaGames/News/News_Archive/News_Athletes.htm
“The games are rapidly approaching and encouragement for our athletes is lacking so I want all federations to boost their encouragement for those who will compete on behalf of our country,” he said at a recent meeting between the committee and federations.
He said all Lao athletes had sacrificed much in their dedication to compete for their country and could be discouraged by the lack of support from sporting officials.
He cited the example of some athletes who had returned home from training abroad because they had a sick family member but were disappointed by the lack of support from their respective federation.
“Such events leave our athletes with bad feelings and they feel there is no one to help them when they face a problem,” Mr Somsavat said.
He said if an athlete's relative fell ill federation officials should take care of that person and their family in a show of support for the athlete's dedication to their country.
Such problems may seem small and inconsequential and are easy to overlook, so the federations must take care to pay close attention to such details in the lead-up to the games, he said.
Mr Somsavat said all federations should regularly meet with their athletes to consult with them and find out if they are facing any problems.
He asked each federation to set up a team to oversee this aspect and solve any issues raised by athletes.
“Doing so will encourage athletes in their endeavours and allow them to fully concentrate on preparing for the games.”
The meeting also heard that athletes receive 45,000 kip per day for food plus 25,000 kip for additional expenses.
Mr Somsavat called for a 15,000 kip increase in the food allowance from October 1 as part of efforts to further encourage athletes.
“Each federation should discuss athletes' dietary requirements with nutritionists to ensure they are able to train and perform at their peak,” he said.
Source : http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/Site_SeaGames/News/News_Archive/News_Athletes.htm
Thailand ranking raises medal hopes for Sitthideth
Star snooker player Mr Sitthideth Satbieng will be feeling more confident of his medal chances at the SEA Games after taking third place at a high level tournament in Thailand .
Sitthideth reached the semifinal at the world Division 2 snooker tournament in Bangkok last week before being knocked out by a Thai opponent.
The competition, from August 26 to September 5, saw 160 players from France, Australia, India, Laos and hosts Thailand battle it out for a place in the semi finals, which left Sitthideth and three Thai players remaining.
The Lao Snooker Federation entered six players, three of whom made it to the third round.
The Lao team returned to Vientiane last week after training in Bangkok over the past two months before taking part in the tournament. Now they will continue their training in Vientiane in the lead up to the SEA Games.
Sitthideth, 26, was born in Xei-no village in Savannakhet's Outhoumphone district, and began playing snooker when he was 13 years old.
He worked as a resident professional at a snooker club in Bangkok for two years, and has competed in other Division 2 events, which are held five times a year.
Sitthideth rocketed to the top of the sport in Laos after winning no less than three gold medals in the men's singles, doubles and team events at the eighth National Games in Champassak province last December, where he represented Savannakhet province.
The Lao players are expecting a Thai coach to arrive at the end of October to help them continue to improve. They have been training since March, and living on site in the snooker federation's dormitory.
The Lao snooker starting team consists of three women and seven men. There are a further five substitutes among the men, selected by the federation at the National Games.
Snooker players at the 25th SEA Games will compete in men's and women's singles and doubles heats.
The snooker federation will send the Lao team to compete in the Asian Indoor Games in Hanoi , Vietnam , from October to November, their last rehearsal before the SEA Games in December.
The Thai, Philippine, Singapore and Malaysian teams are the hottest tip to win medals at the games, but if the Lao players continue to hit form they could have an opportunity to keep some medals at home. .
Sitthideth reached the semifinal at the world Division 2 snooker tournament in Bangkok last week before being knocked out by a Thai opponent.
The competition, from August 26 to September 5, saw 160 players from France, Australia, India, Laos and hosts Thailand battle it out for a place in the semi finals, which left Sitthideth and three Thai players remaining.
The Lao Snooker Federation entered six players, three of whom made it to the third round.
The Lao team returned to Vientiane last week after training in Bangkok over the past two months before taking part in the tournament. Now they will continue their training in Vientiane in the lead up to the SEA Games.
Sitthideth, 26, was born in Xei-no village in Savannakhet's Outhoumphone district, and began playing snooker when he was 13 years old.
He worked as a resident professional at a snooker club in Bangkok for two years, and has competed in other Division 2 events, which are held five times a year.
Sitthideth rocketed to the top of the sport in Laos after winning no less than three gold medals in the men's singles, doubles and team events at the eighth National Games in Champassak province last December, where he represented Savannakhet province.
The Lao players are expecting a Thai coach to arrive at the end of October to help them continue to improve. They have been training since March, and living on site in the snooker federation's dormitory.
The Lao snooker starting team consists of three women and seven men. There are a further five substitutes among the men, selected by the federation at the National Games.
Snooker players at the 25th SEA Games will compete in men's and women's singles and doubles heats.
The snooker federation will send the Lao team to compete in the Asian Indoor Games in Hanoi , Vietnam , from October to November, their last rehearsal before the SEA Games in December.
The Thai, Philippine, Singapore and Malaysian teams are the hottest tip to win medals at the games, but if the Lao players continue to hit form they could have an opportunity to keep some medals at home. .
Laos SEA Games will be broadcast LIVE in 6 countries
During the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane , to run from December 9-18, action will be broadcast live on 14 television channels in six countries. A meeting took place in Vientiane yesterday to discuss TV broadcasting fees and copyright. Television networks that have agreed in principle to broadcast the SEA Games live are Brunei Radio and Television, Lao National Radio and Lao National Television, Lao Star Channel, Forever Group Co. Ltd (FRTB4-Myanmar), Media Corp TV Singapore Pte. Ltd, National Broadcasting Service of Thailand (NBT), TPBS, Channel 7, Channel 5, VTC Digital-Vietnam, VTV, TOT Co. Ltd., and CAT Telecom Co. Ltd. The Phetchampa Advertising Company (PAC) is representing the Lao SEA Games Organising Committee (LAOSOC) and hosted the TV broadcasting rights meeting on duties and copyright for broadcasting in six Asean countries. Vice President of the Lao National Olympic Committee, Mr Chanpheng Silattana, representatives from LAOSOC and from Asean countries attended the meeting. PAC Director, Mr Khammoui Keomany, said he was looking forward to cooperating with LAOSOC and the Lao people to successfully selling TV broadcasting rights for the games. Laos will use about 16 mobile broadcasting vans to cover all sports venues and will employ more than 144 people to work in production. The budget for the management of TV broadcasting is about 34 billion kip (US$4 million).On the same day, LAOSOC officials reported progress on the sports complex and many other venues that are yet to be completed. Venues include the main sports complex, indoor stadiums at the National University of Laos, the Chao-Anou football stadium, the Lao-ITECC arena and the Bungkha-nhong indoor stadium. The venues are being built with the installation of broadcasting facilities in mind as provision of broadcasting equipment at each venue is a requirement for hosting the games. The national football stadium at Dongsanghin village in Xaythany district will be inspected and tested in June by LAOSOC before hosting the games' opening and closing ceremonies in December. Source: Vientianetimes
Laos SEA Games will be broadcast LIVE in 6 countries
During the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane , to run from December 9-18, action will be broadcast live on 14 television channels in six countries. A meeting took place in Vientiane yesterday to discuss TV broadcasting fees and copyright. Television networks that have agreed in principle to broadcast the SEA Games live are Brunei Radio and Television, Lao National Radio and Lao National Television, Lao Star Channel, Forever Group Co. Ltd (FRTB4-Myanmar), Media Corp TV Singapore Pte. Ltd, National Broadcasting Service of Thailand (NBT), TPBS, Channel 7, Channel 5, VTC Digital-Vietnam, VTV, TOT Co. Ltd., and CAT Telecom Co. Ltd. The Phetchampa Advertising Company (PAC) is representing the Lao SEA Games Organising Committee (LAOSOC) and hosted the TV broadcasting rights meeting on duties and copyright for broadcasting in six Asean countries. Vice President of the Lao National Olympic Committee, Mr Chanpheng Silattana, representatives from LAOSOC and from Asean countries attended the meeting. PAC Director, Mr Khammoui Keomany, said he was looking forward to cooperating with LAOSOC and the Lao people to successfully selling TV broadcasting rights for the games. Laos will use about 16 mobile broadcasting vans to cover all sports venues and will employ more than 144 people to work in production. The budget for the management of TV broadcasting is about 34 billion kip (US$4 million).On the same day, LAOSOC officials reported progress on the sports complex and many other venues that are yet to be completed. Venues include the main sports complex, indoor stadiums at the National University of Laos, the Chao-Anou football stadium, the Lao-ITECC arena and the Bungkha-nhong indoor stadium. The venues are being built with the installation of broadcasting facilities in mind as provision of broadcasting equipment at each venue is a requirement for hosting the games. The national football stadium at Dongsanghin village in Xaythany district will be inspected and tested in June by LAOSOC before hosting the games' opening and closing ceremonies in December. Source: Vientianetimes
Pre-25th SEA Games 2009 : 4 Nation Football Tournament
The Lao Football Federation and Television Nationale Lao are pleased to present the first 4-Nations Football Tournament in the new National Sports Stadium. October 2 to October 6. Six matches with the national teams from Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
In preparations for the 2009 SEA Games Laos, the Lao Football Federation, Lao National Television, and Crossfire Co. Ltd, are proud to announce the 2009 4-Nations Football Tournament. The national teams from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Laos are playing an AFC sanctioned tournament, to promote the SEA Games theme of Generosity, Amity, and a Healthy Lifestyle in live television broadcasts throughout the pan-Asian region.
The Lao Football Federation’s goal for this tournament is to help prepare the SEA Games Committee, Lao National Television, and the National Stadium support workers to train in a live tournament before the Sea Games. To help support this effort, the Lao Football Federation appointed Crossfire to manage the event. Crossfire has linked services with Total Sports Asia, an international media company, to bring in experts from around the world to offer training to the SEA Games personnel, and to Lao National Television.
In preparations for the 2009 SEA Games Laos, the Lao Football Federation, Lao National Television, and Crossfire Co. Ltd, are proud to announce the 2009 4-Nations Football Tournament. The national teams from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Laos are playing an AFC sanctioned tournament, to promote the SEA Games theme of Generosity, Amity, and a Healthy Lifestyle in live television broadcasts throughout the pan-Asian region.
The Lao Football Federation’s goal for this tournament is to help prepare the SEA Games Committee, Lao National Television, and the National Stadium support workers to train in a live tournament before the Sea Games. To help support this effort, the Lao Football Federation appointed Crossfire to manage the event. Crossfire has linked services with Total Sports Asia, an international media company, to bring in experts from around the world to offer training to the SEA Games personnel, and to Lao National Television.
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