Logo

Standing Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad believes that Laos should not feel too bad about not making the final of men's football after losing to Malaysia last night as making the semi-finals was already a historic achievement. "The Laos footballers should be praised for reaching the semi-final round for the first time in a SEA Games competition," said Somsavat. "I can see that they have improved because of hard training and tried their best as the hosts of this event.

"But the fans should continue to encourage Laos athletes in the remaining days of the competition to cheer the athletes to win for their country."

Laos had created history this year when they made the semi-finals of men's football by beating Indonesia and also holding Singapore and Myanmar in the group stage. But they lost out of a place in the final in the 25th edition of the SEA Games after losing to Malaysia 3-1 last night at the Main Stadium.

Laos continued improvement in football was due to their team's long-term attachment with Vietnam club Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) for over a year. "Our athletes have done well in the games, winning many gold, silver and bronze medals so far," added Somsavat.

"Laos have never won medals like this before, but this time we are the hosts and our athletes have trained hard for victory.

"The current games fever prove that the people are keen to cheer local athletes in all popular sports, so this makes me believe that Laos sports will continue to improve because of the increased interest of our people."

By: WSL MSC Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia) - ICT Committee

SEAG