Lao shooters have gold in sights
The President of the Lao Shooting Federation has called on Lao shooters to continue their recent good form and win medals when the nation hosts the SEA Games next month.
The federation held a meeting on Tuesday to congratulate the team which won one gold, three silver and one bronze medal at the 33rd South East Asia Shooting Championships 2009 in Thailand from November 2-11.
The federation also presented their athletes with extra funding of up to five million kip to encourage them to do their best at the upcoming SEA Games in Vientiane.
Federation president, Major General Sanyahak Phomvihane, said there are only 27 days remaining to the games so the national team needs to refocus on training hard and gaining as much experience as possible from their coach and support staff.
“Many of you will be representing Laos so please try to do your best for the nation. Some of you performed very well at the champions in Thailand. The SEA Games are similar but it’s a very important event for us because we are the host nation,” he told the team.
Team leader Colonel Lamphieng told the meeting that 13 countries competed in the championships.
“All team members practised hard before the event and the results show that. We’d like to thank the government for supporting us in the lead-up to the SEA Games, including bringing in a coach from a neighbouring country and requesting assistance from Vietnam for shooting equipment,” Colonel Lamphieng said.
He said there is strong solidarity amongst the team and they are determined to do well at their home games.
Maj Gen Sanyahak expressed confidence that Lao shooters will win medals for the nation at the games and said the government and federation would award athletes who do so.
“We would like all Lao people to encourage our athletes by cheering for them and giving them inspiration and energy for success.”
The federation reported that some Lao shooters flew to Vietnam yesterday for a short training programme.
By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Novembe 12, 2009
Vientiane Times
