Football / Soccer

Outstanding Footballers

• Suk Bahadhur — Asian All Star
• Hla Htay
• Vernon Stiles (Tin Tun)
• Ko Ko Gyi
• Pe Khin
• Htoo War
• Tin Aung Moe
• Maung Maung (Navy) — Asian All Star
• Maung Maung (RU)
• Aye Maung (PWD)
• Aye Maung (BAF)
• Hla Tin (Kee)
• Gwan Shein (SPED)
• Collegian Nay Win

• Tun Kyi

• Kenneth Shein

• Tun Wain
• Than Soe (Suttee)
• Tin Aung — Asian All Star
• Kyaw Min
• Khin Maung Tun — Asian All Star
• Auro
• Gale
• Tin Han

Burma produced Asian Selected including Suk Bahadur, Maung Maung (Navy), and Goalkeepers — Khin Maung Tun and Tin Aung.

Aung San Stadium

The First Division matches are played at Aung San Stadium. The teams include Rangoon University, Burma Railways, Customs, Army, Navy and several others. The bottom teams in the League get relegated to Second Division the following year.

My uncle U Win Tin (GBNF) took me to watch soccer matches. We watched selected matches (e.g. Dunlop Trophy) and some International matches (e.g. 2nd SEAP Games).

The Northern and Southern Stands cost about fifty pyas, but they provided limited scope and vision. But, they have roofs.

Grand Stand costs about five kyats. It would be a rare treat to watch from the Grand Stand (especially near the center line).

The Open Stand opposite the Grand Stand is a good compromise for about K1.50. We had to carry umbrella or wear raincoat for matches during the Rainy Season.

Inter State and Division (ISD) Soccer tournament

It was established in 1952. Shan States with Suk Bahadhur won the inaugural tournament.

Mandalay, Tennessarim and Irrawaddy became Contenders and/or Champions.

Many players were recruited by the First Division teams and some became Burma Selected.