Vientiane: The Ministry of National Defense is gearing up to participate in 21 sports at the upcoming 12th National Games. The sports lineup includes men’s football, athletics, indoor and beach volleyball, boxing, judo, taekwondo, wrestling, wushu, pencak silat, karate, traditional Lao boxing, shooting, sepak takraw (chinlone), p©tanque, golf, snooker, chess, archery, tug-of-war, xiangqi (Chinese chess), and boat racing.
According to Lao News Agency, the Ministry has set an ambitious target of winning at least 71 gold medals. This goal aims to improve on its performance at the 11th National Games in 2022, where it claimed 51 gold, 49 silver, and 36 bronze medals, finishing third overall. Colonel Phoungern Phommueang, Head of the Training Department of the General Staff of the Lao People’s Army, stated that comprehensive preparations were launched immediately after receiving the official announcement from the National Games Organizing Committee. A dedicated technical committee has been formed to oversee athlete training and ensure a strategic approach in every discipline.
Colonel Phoungern emphasized the coordination at all levels to prepare the athletes physically and mentally, motivating them to represent the Ministry with honor. He also called on military personnel across the country to support the athletes, boosting their morale ahead of the competition.
Lieutenant Colonel Khamsueang Khuangvan, head coach of the Ministry’s boxing team, reported that initial training focused on core elements such as strength, endurance, resilience, and speed. After several intensive training cycles, the athletes have now reached about 70 percent readiness. Reflecting on past results, Lieutenant Colonel Khamsueang noted their third-place finish at the previous National Games in Xieng Khouang as a proud achievement, with hopes to surpass that this year.
With less than two months remaining before the opening ceremony, the Ministry of National Defense is preparing for a strong showing at the 12th National Games, reinforcing its role in national sports and continuing its tradition of athletic excellence.