by Hla Min

Updated : June 2026

Origin

Modern Olympics was a revival of the ancient games held every four years at Olympia.

The four year interval is called an Olympiad. The ancient Greeks use Olympiad instead of years when describing dates.

Pierre de Coubertin created the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894.

IOC selects a city or cities to hold the Summer Olympics and the Winter Olympics. The two Olympics are interlaced.

Drama in the Olympics

Summer Olympics has its share of drama.

The 1936 Summer Olympics was held in Berlin and was attended by Adolf Hitler (who promoted the supremacy of the Aryan race). Jesse Owens, a black athlete from the USA, won four Gold medals : 100m, 200m, 4 x 100m relay, and Long Jump.

The drama supposedly occurred in the Long Jump event. Jesse Owens was having some problems in the Long Jump when the German competitor Lang advised him to leave about six inches gap behind the broad to prevent overstepping and getting disqualified. Jesse took the advice, regained his poise and went on to win the Long Jump Gold. (One article stated that Jessie Owens later retracted his story.)

1972 Olympics in Munich saw both good and bad.

Mark Spitz (USA) won seven Gold medals (with seven World Records) in swimming : 100m & 200m Freestyle, 100m & 200m Butterfly, 4 x 100m Freestyle relay, 4 x 200m Freestyle relay, and 4 x 100 Medley relay. He saved energy by not competing in the trials for selected relay events.

Olga Kolburt (USSR) was awarded a couple of Perfect Ten in Gymnastics.

Eleven Israeli athletes were kidnapped (shown live on TV) and murdered by Black September. Mossad took several years to track down and decimate Black September.

USA boycotted the 1980 Olympics held in Moscow.

USSR retaliated with a boycott of the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles.

Highlights from Summer Olympics

• 1896 Athens (Inaugural Olympics)
• 1900 Paris (first time)
• 1904 St. Louis
• 1908 London (first time)
• 1912 Stockholm
• 1916 (Cancelled due to WWI)
• 1924 Paris (second time)
• 1928 Amsterdam
• 1932 Los Angeles (first time)
• 1936 Berlin (attended by Adolph Hitler)
• 1940 (Cancelled due to WWII)
• 1944 (Cancelled due to WWII)
• 1948 London (second time)
• 1952 Helsinki (e.g. Flying Finn in Track and Field)
• 1956 Melbourne (e.g. Dawn Fraser, female Swimmer)
• 1960 Rome (e.g. Abibi Bikila, barefoot Marathoner)
• 1964 Tokyo (e.g. Japanese female Volleyball)
• 1968 Mexico City (e.g. Long Jump Leap by Bob Beamon)
• 1972 Munich (e.g. Mark Sptiz, swimmer; Black September)
• 1976 Montreal (e.g. Nadia Comancie, gymnast)
• 1980 Moscow (Boycott by USA)
• 1984 Los Angeles (second time; Boycott by USSR)
• 1988 Seoul (e.g. Carl Lewis, sprinter and long jumper)
• 1992 Barcelona (e.g. USA Dream Team for Basketball)
• 1996 Atlanta (e.g. USA, most medals)
• 2000 Sydney (e.g. held in September rather than June or July)
• 2004 Athens (second time)
• 2008 Beijing (e.g. Michael Phelps, swimmer)
• 2012 London (third time)
• 2016 Rio De Janerio (first Olympics held in South America)
• 2020 Tokyo (Postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic; held in 2021)
• 2024 Paris (third time)

Famous Olympians

Jesse Owens

He received four Gold Medals in 1936 Berlin Olympics for Track and Field. He won 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay and Long Jump.

The record was later equaled by Carl Lewis, who also became the most decorated Track & Field Olympian.

Mark Spitz

He received seven Swimming Gold Medals in 1972 Munich Olympics. He won 100m Free, 200 m Free, 100m Butterfly, 200m Butterfly, 4x100m Free relay, 4×200 Free Relay, 4×100 Medley Relay.

Michael Phelps

He broke Mark Spitz’s record by winning Eight Gold Medals in a single Olympics game. He won Freestyle, Butterfly, Individual Medley and Relays. He is the most decorated Olympian Swimmer.

Johnny Weissmuller

He was Olympics swimming champion. He gained fame as Tarzan in the movies.

Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.

He was Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion at the Rome Olympics. He became Mohammad Ali, three time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion.

Media Coverage

During my SPHS days, there was no television in Burma. I received a ticket from Brother Austin as a prize to see the “1960 Rome Olympics” documentary at Thamada / President cinema.

I was in the UK and was fortunate to see the 1972 Munich Olympics on a Color television.

Sydney Centennial Olympic Park

In 2006, Dr. Thann Naing / Bonnie Kywe organized an Old Paulians’ picnic at the Centennial Olympic Park in Sydney.

by Hla Min

Updated : May 2026

(1) Aung San Stadium

Burma Athletic Association (BAA) has a stadium to host

• Soccer games
• Track and Field
• (Later) Indoor games

It was renamed Aung San Stadium to honor Bogyoke Aung San.

Games

• League Championship (for First Division teams) : The lowest teams are relegated to the Second Division. They are replaced by the Top Finishers of the Second Division.
• Dunlop KnockOut Tournament
• Inter State and Division (ISD) Tournament : Shan States won the inaugural tournament in 1952. Suk Bahadur was a star player and later became Captain of the Burma Selected. He was also selected as an Asian All Star.

Stands

• My uncle U Win Tin (GBNF) would take me to watch soccer matches.

• Watched selected matches (e.g. Dunlop Trophy) & some International matches (e.g. 2nd SEAP Games).

• The Northern and Southern Stands cost about fifty pyas.
  Provided limited scope and vision, but have roofs.
• Grand Stand costs about five kyats. Rare treat to watch from the Grand Stand (especially near the center line).
• The Open Stand opposite the Grand Stand is a compromise for about K1.50. Had to carry umbrella or wear raincoat for matches during the Rainy Season.

Events

• It was the main venue for the SEAP Games hosted by Burma in 1961 and 1969.
• We had to march with the Marching Band from St. Paul’s High School (SPHS) to the Aung San stadium to perform Drill as part of the “Education Day” Celebrations. Dennis Stevens (brother of my classmate George Stevens) played the Big Drum. Twin brothers Bo Kyi and Bo Kyi were the drummers. Jerry Hin Hwa, Orlando Thein, Win Maung and Bernard Taylor played selected musical instruments.

(2) Badminton

Burma Selected

• Kyi Nyunt : Burma Champion in Singles and Doubles; Won medals in SEAP and Asian Games
• Sai Kham Pan : No. (2) in Singles; Doubles Champion with Kyi Nyunt; Led RIT to Inter-Institute Championship
  

RIT Badminton

• Myint Kyi (GBNF), Bishnu Shahi (GBNF), Khin Maung Nyo, Tommy Shwe (GBNF)
  represented RIT in Badminton

• Saya U Thein Lwin (EE, GBNF) was President of RIT Badminton Association
• RIT won the Inter-Institute Trophy. The team was led by Sai Kham Pan.
• Kham Pan would bring back shuttle cocks, which were still good but discarded at the Burma Selected Training Camp, for his hostel mates.
• Due to tight schedules for some tournaments overseas, Kham Pan had to take books along to study for the examinations. Had excellent foot work and strong wrists. Needed training partners at RIT. Myint Sein (M69) was his partner in training and competition. Khin Maung Win (Sargalay, EP69) was his reliable training partner; he would be given 10+ bonus points for the 15 point game.

(3) Basketball

RIT, RASU & Burma Selected

• U Thein Han (RIT Maths, elder brother of Khin Khin Kyu (A67)) was Burma Selected in his student days.
• U Soe Win (EP69, GBNF) was Captain of the RIT Basketball team. Tommy (69er, GBNF) was a member of the team.
• Lyo Kyin Sein (Mabel Lee, T69) represented RIT in Basketball.
• San San Myint (Helen, T69) rooted for the RASU Basketball team & Sam Wu, who played not only for RASU, but also for Black Cat and the Burma Selected. They live in Fremont, California.

Birth of Basketball

• Basketball was invented by James Naismith (born in Canada) at YMCA in Massachusetts, USA in 1861.
• He later wrote the rules for the game.

Basketball Championships

The Basketball championships include

• NCAA Tournament (“March Madness”) : College teams are organized into Four Regions (each with Seeds 1 to 16); The Knock out tournament has First round, Second round, Third round (Sweet sixteen), Quarter finals, Semi finals (Final Four) and Finals.
• NBA Post-season (late April to mid June) : Eight teams each from the Eastern Conference and Western Conference are seeded 1 to 8. The tournament consists of First round, Second round (Conference semi-finals), Conference Finals and NBA Finals. Boston Celtics had won the most NBA titles to date. In 2019, Toronto Raptors became the first Canadian team to win the NBA title.
• Summer Olympics : 1992 Barcelona Olympics featured the “Dream Team” from US.
  The team comprised of Larry Bird (Boston Celtics) & Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Lakers) as Captains; Michael Jordan & Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls; Karl Malone & John Stockton of Utah Jazz; Patrick Ewing (New York Knicks); David Robsinson (San Antonio Spurs); Charles Barkley (Philadelphia 76er); Chris Mullin (Golden State Warriors); Clyde Drexler (Portland Trailblazers) & Christian Laettner (Duke University). Chuck Daley (Detroit Pistons) was the Head Coach. Mike K (Duke University) was an Assistant Coach.
• World Championship.

Players

• The five-on-five (with five players on each team) is the most common.
• The five players are usually called Point Guard (PG), Shooting Guard (SG), Small Forward (SF), Power Forward (PF) and Center (C).
• There are variations such as the “Small Ball Lineup” which substitutes a Center with another Guard or Forward.

Back Court

• The Back Court is made up of a Point Guard & a Shooting Guard.
• Point Guard handles the ball and usually distributes it to open players. Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Steph Curry are some of the well-known Point Guards who helped their teams win multiple NBA titles.
• Shooting Guard is an excellent scorer. Michael Jordan led Chicago Bulls to six NBA Championships (with two 3-repeats). Klay Thompson, “Splash Brother” of Steph Curry, is a Shooting Guard and an excellent defender.

Front Court

• The Front Court is made up of a Small Forward, a Power Forward & a Center Forward.
• Scottie Pippen, as Small Forward, helped Michael Jordan win six Championships.
• Kevin Durant, as Small Forward, helped Golden State Warriors win back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018. He won Finals MVP award for both years.
• Dennis Rodman, rebounding Champion, was Power Forward on three Chicago Bulls Championship teams. He also won two NBA titles with the Detroit Pistons.
• Draymond Green, as Power Forward, helped Golden State Warriors win NBA Championships in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022.
• Wilt Chamberlain, famed Center, scored 90+ points in a single game.
• Bill Russell (Center, Boston Celtics) won 11 NBA titles as player and coach. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) Trophy is named after him.

Techniques

• The techniques evolve over the years.
• The “Triangle Offense” of the Chicago Bulls gave over to the “Small Line-up” without a “true” center.
• 3-point shooting from beyond the arc now make or break games.
• Some teams play two Centers. Some use three or even four guards at a time.
• 2025 NBA Finals is being played with two teams, which had not won a Title. Oklahoma City Thunder’s old team was Seattle Supersonics. OKC would not acknowledge the Supersonics Title as its own. Indiana Pacers made to the Finals 25 years ago.

(4) Body Building

• Kaya Bala ကာယဗလ Members
• Commander Maung Maung :
  First Mr. Burma (Maung Bama မောင်ဗမာ)
• U Ba Kun (Maung Bama) : became a movie actor
• Dr. Kyaw Sein (M65) managed the RIT Weightlifting & Body Building Team.
• Thein Aung (Met72) won Mr. RIT in 1968.

(5) Boxing

Rangoon University Boxing Club

The club was founded (or re-established) by

• Myint Khine (Norman, SPHS57, C63)
• Tin Wa (SPHS57)
• San Aung (Sonny, St. Albert’s 58, formerly SPHS)
• Hla Ngwe Tin (Frankie, SPHS59)
• and their friends.

Boxing Champions

• Myint Khine (Norman, Civil)
• Tin Wa (Chemistry)
• San Aung (Sonny) — became UBA Senior Pilot
• Hla Ngwe Tin (Frankie, Physics Hons)
• Myint Thein (RASU Chemistry)
• Maung Maung Thaw (RIT Class of 70)

Burma

Kyar Ba Nyein, Thein Myint, Tin Tun and Stanley Majid are some boxers who represented Burma in international competitions (SEAP, Asian Games, Olympics).

“Kyar ကျား” stands for “Tiger” as well as “Checkers”. Per his request, Ludu Daw Ah Mar wrote about Kyar Ba Nyein in her book “Mandalay Thar and Mandalay Thu” but only after Kyar Ba Nyein’s death. Kyar Ba Nyein competed in International competitions and was a certified referee and judge. He founded a club and coached young boxers (which later became champions). He also sponsored Myanmar Let Hway matches.

World

Rocky Marciano is the only undefeated Heavyweight Champion. He inspired Sylvester Stallone to make “Rocky Balboa” movies.

Muhammad Ali won the 1960 Olympics Light Heavyweight title as Cassius Clay Junior. He became “Louisville Lip” for predicting the round in which his opponent will be knocked out. He beat Sonny Liston to become the World Heavyweight Champion. He was stripped off his title for refusing to join the Draft. He was Champion thrice. He had Parkinsonism and ailments attributed to having taken many blows to his head. There are books about “I am the Greatest”. He is known for “Float like a butterfly. Sting like a bee” and for lighting the Olympic Torch in 1996 Olympics held in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

(6) Gymnastics

• U Myint Aung
  Won several Golds in SEAP

Competition

• Men : Individual & Team
• Women : Individual & Team

Highlights

• Men : Japan, China …
• Women : Soviet, USA …
• Olga Kolbert
• Nadia Commenchi
• Simon Biles

(7) Hockey

here are two kinds of Hockey :

• Field Hockey
• Ice Hockey

Field Hockey

• In our younger days, Theinbyu Ground was used for Field Hockey.
• Suk Bahadur (Captain of the Burma Soccer Team) and Dr. Harry Saing (Htut Saing, Past Captain and Gold of RUBC, Pediatric Surgeon of “Ma Nan Soe – Ma Nan San” fame as Chief Assistant to Dr. Pe Nyun) also excelled at hockey.
• Rangoon University and later the All Universities and Institutes had hockey teams.
• For some time, India and Pakistan were power houses in hockey. Several nations have overtaken them.

RIT Hockey

• According to Ko Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76), he was the last defender of the RIT Hockey team. Ko Thura Thant Zin (RUBC Gold, Past President of BASES, M76) was the goalkeeper.
• The photo of some RIT Hockey players in the 70s was provided by KMZ.

Standing L-R: Thein Lwin (EP77-CA/USA), Tin Myint (), Pyo Win (M76), Htay Aung (M76-Aus??), Saya U Tin Hlaing (M), Tin Oo Thein (C7x-Australia), Khin Maung Zaw (EC76-WA/USA), Thein Htun Aung (EC76-CA/USA), ??, Ebrahim Mehta (Met76-NY/USA)

Sitting L-R: Thein Zaw (??), Moe Zaw, Soe Aung (M75-CA/USA), Moosa Mehta (EC73-WA/USA), Win Bo (EC76-TX/USA), Nay Win (EP7?-??), Dudley Moore, Win Aung Nyunt @ Cho Pi (EP76-GBNF)

Ice Hockey

• NHL (National Hockey League) is made up of ice hockey teams from US and Canada.
• A game is played over three periods of 20 minutes each. A tied game will go into overtime.
• At any given time, six players from a team are on the ice. Typically, there is a goalkeeper, two backs, two wings and a center forward. Power plays occur when a player is penalized for a specified period.
• The teams vie for Stanley Cup.

(8) Judo

• Myint Lwin (Charles) :
  University, Burma
• Tin Maung Aye :
  University, Burma
• Most Champions are from the Army

(9) Rowing

• Tin Htoon (S) and Harry Saing (B) won Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs at 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta
• Tin Htoon (S), Harry Saing (B), Victor Htun Shein (2), Sunny Teng (3) and Sein Htoon (Cox)
  won Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours at 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo
• Phyu Lin, Htaik San & younger generation won medals in FEARA

(10) Sailing

Rangoon Sailing Club

• The Club was located in Inya Lakes.
• Some members represented Burma in SEAP Games.
• Some RUBC Old Members also joined the Sailing Club.

Gold medal winners

• U Maung Maung Lwin :
  Commodore of the Sailing Club; former Weightlifting Champion
• Dr. Richard Yu Khin : Also excelled in Swimming
• Dr. Khin Thein (Victor Thein Maung)
• Dr. Tun Thein (George Thein Maung)

Silver medal winners

• U Tin Htoon (Past Captain and Gold of RUBC)
• U Hla Khin (Navy)

Leading females

• Shirley Thein Maung
• Rosie Thein Maung

Editor’s Notes :

Dr. Richard Yu Khin has two Facebook pages. One is exclusively for Sailing.

(11) Soccer

Introduction

Shwe Yoe (Scott, author and teacher) introduced soccer to Diocesan Boys High School.

Some not so young people abroad remember “U Thant (UN Secretary General), and the once “Soccer Power House in South East Asia (and beyond)” when they hear the name “Burma”. Burma won the Asian Games soccer.

Outstanding Footballers

• Suk Bahadhur (Asian Selected)
  : Forward turned Midfielder; Played for Shan States, Army and Burma
• Maung Maung (Asian Selected)
  : Midfielder
• Khin Maung Tun (Asian Selected) : Goalkeeper
• Tin Aung (Asian Selected) : Goalkeeper
• Auro (Customs)
• Aung Khin (RU)
• Aye Maung (BAF)
• Aye Maung (PWD)
• Ba Pu (Mandalay)
• Chan Tha (RU)
• Collegian Nay Win (RU)
• Gale (Railways)
• Gwan Shein (Army)
• Hla Htay (Irrawaddy, Customs)
• Hla Tin (Kee)
• Htoo War
• John Tint (RIT)
• Kenneth Shein (RU, Railways)
• Ko Ko Gyi (Tenessaarim, Customs)
• Kyaw Htin (RIT, PWD)
• Kyaw Min (Navy)
• Maung Maung (RU)
• Pe Khin
• Soe Myint (RU)
• Soe Myint Lwin (RIT, EPC)
• Than Soe (Suttee, Municipal)
• Tin Aung Moe
• Tin Han (Railways)
• Toe Aung (Dio)
• Tun Kyi (RU, Railways)
• Tun Wain (Tenessarim, Customs)
• Vernon Stiles (Tin Tun, Army)

First Division

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.

Inter State and Division

• The Inter State and Division (ISD) Soccer tournament was established in 1952. Shan States with Suk Bahadhur won the inaugural tournament.
• Mandalay (with Ba Pu), Tennessarim (with Ko Ko Gyi), Irrawaddy (with Hla Htay) became Contenders and/or Champions. Many players were recruited by the First Division teams and some became Burma Selected.

RU Soccer

For several years, Rangoon University First Eleven competed as a First Division team at the Aung San Stadium.

Saya Nyein (Diocesan Alumni) was RU Coach. He gave an interview to the BERB team for the Diamond Julibee of Rangoon University.

Than Win (Captain of RU football) studied in the US and served as a Director of SPED (Sports and Physical Education Department) or equivalent. His spouse retired as Professor of Botany Department, RU.

Some early players include

• Chan Tha : Engineer, Past Captain of RUBC & Captain of the Prome Hall team [mostly engineers]
• Tun Kyi (Engineer)
• Nay Win, Collegian (Academy winner)
• Kenneth Shein : Father of Pale / Pearl
• Tint Lwin

U Chan Tha’s team won the Inter-Hall Soccer Trophy for three consecutive years. U Tin Swe (EE53, GBNF) was a star player.

RIT soccer

U Myo Myint Sein (A58) was a well-known soccer player.

Kyaw Sint (Edward, T70) was among the preliminary members for Burma Selected, when his career was cut short by a “vicious tackle” by Tin Han.

Kyaw Htin (C67), Soe Myint Lwin (EP68, GBNF), John Tint, and James Tint played for [youth and/or senior] National Soccer Teams.

Khin Maung Lay (T68), Myo Nyunt (C69), Myint Sein (Jabu), pKhin Maung Lay (Mutu, M70), and Sai Thein Maung (C70) are some who represented RIT in soccer.

Maung Maung (Burma) was RIT Sports Officer.

RIT Saya Soccer Team

by Saya U Soe Paing

Reading about the communications from Richard Khoo (Dr. Aung Soe, C61) and seeing the list of Sayas in the 1966-67 handbook brings back memories of our soccer team.

As I remember it was from 1964 to 1968 or 1969. We played against

• the senior students of different majors Civil, Mechanical, Electrical etc.
• the sayas at GTI and Natmauk Technical Institute
• the Burma Air Force officers.

We also played in the annual tournament for RIT Staff. The staff teams are

• the Sayas
• Workshop staff
• Lab staff
• Hostel staff and
• the youth team from the RIT compound.

As I remember these were the people in the team.

1. Goalkeepers: Richard Khoo (Civil), Maurice Kyaw Zaw (Chemistry), & Sein Myint/Ah Sein (Petroleum)

2. Defenders: Ko Maung Maung Than (Textile), Ko Aung Soe (Math), Ko Aung Hla Tun (Met), Ko Sann Tint (Elect), Christopher Maung (Civil), U Tin Swe (Elect), Ko Tin Win (Mech).

3. Midfielders: Ko Tin Maung Nyunt (Agri), Desmond Rogers (English), Ko Khine Oo (Elect), Ko Maung Maung Win (Mech), Ko Tin Hlaing II (Mech).

4. Forwards: Ko Pike Htwe (Chemistry), Ko Aung (Math), Ko Tin Hlaing I (Agri), Ko Soe Min (Elect), Ko Kyin Soe (Auto) & myself (Elect).

We rarely practiced but we enjoyed playing the games. We split games with the GTI sayas & the Air Force officers. We beat the Natmauk sayas and we won more than we lost in the RIT staff tournament. But I am sure we lost more than we won against the final year students. Would appreciate comments on this; especially on the names I missed in the team.

Soccer Tournaments

Many people in Myanmar follow the World Cup, Premium League, European Cup … in addition to the soccer tournaments (Asian Games, SEA Games, …) in which Myanmar compete.

(12) Swimming

Burma Selected Swimmers / Divers

• Aung Khine Cho (Attended UCC)
• Aung Than (Freestyle)
• Aye Kyaw (Joined Navy)
• Chit Soe (became Diplomat)
• Derek Lynsdale (Backstroke)
• Htay Aung (Swimming, Water Polo)
• Maung Kyi (Breaststroke)
• Mya Thee (Free style; became Coach)
• Nanda Kyaw Zwar (Butterfly)
• Nyunt Soe (became Coach)
• Oscar Thwin
• Philip Smythe (Diving; Moved to Australia)
• Richard Yu Khin (excelled in Yachting)
• Thet Win (Diving; Became Sports Officer)
• Tin Maung Ni (SEAP & Asian Games Gold Medalist; Competed in Olympics)
• Willie Huie (Breaststoke)
• William Smythe (Diving; Moved to Australia)

• Elizabeth Smythe
• Marlar Swe
• Mary Soe
• Polly Ba San
• Sally Soe
• Sylvia Thwin

Dr. Richard Yu Khin wrote :

I was on the swim team with Tin Maung Ni who is a gentleman. Ten of us were trained by Mr. Matsuda who was on the Japanese national swim team. Mr. Matsuda was manager of a Japanese company in Rangoon. He made us swim six 50 metres sprints, with one minute interval. The time difference for the 1st and 6th sprints — the decline curve should be limited. This was the first time we had scientific training in swimming. Tin Maung Ni was the only Asian, other than Japanese, to win a gold medal in swimming at the Asian Games. The US Embassy provided a goodwill tour of USA for Tin Maung Ni. He is from the Kachin State.

Dr. Richard Yu Khin wrote :

Swimmers trained by Mr. Matsuda in 1959 include Derek Lynsdale (backstroke), Aye Kyaw (Hla Yee Yee’s cousin) and Willie Huie (breast-stroke). A few years ago saw photo of Thet Win at Kokine Swimming Club, and Aung Than who is working as swim coach in Bangkok. Derek Lynsdale’s mother was a Lecturer at Rangoon University who moved to a university in East Africa subsequent to military coup in 1962. Aye Kyaw was Tin Maung Ni’s deputy in the Burma Navy.

Ba Than Nyunt wrote :

(U) Tin Maung Ni won Gold medals not only in SEAP games but also in two successive Asian Games. If my recall is right, he is from Bhan Maw, Kachin State.

(13) Table Tennis

Terms

Table Tennis is also known as “Ping Pong”.

The term “Ping Pong Diplomacy” is used for jump starting the “strained relations” between China and US. The friendly Ping Pong matches preceded the diplomatic talks.

Saya Mao Toon Siong

• Saya Mao Toon Siong (M62) was Burma Champion in both Singles and Doubles.
• Competed in the Table Table World Championship held in Beijing in 1961.
• Served as Coach of the Burma National Team.
• Managed the RIT Table Tennis teams, which won the Inter-Institute Trophy. The Inter-Institute Trophy winners include U Maung Maung (67, Sin Gyi, good Chess player), U Win Myint (EE67), and U Stanislau Lou (M67, see photo).
• Taught us Thermodynamics.
• Attended SPZP-2016 in Yangon, and also paid respect to Sayagyi U Ba Than. Saya U Tin Htut, Saya U Tin Win (Bago) … also visited Sayagyi that day. Saya said that he would send me a “good” copy of the group photo.
• After moving to the US, Saya continued playing Table Tennis.

Ba Wai

• Champion in the next generation

Stan Liou

• Stan was a member of the Inter-Institute Trophy winning team.
• Founding member of NorCal RITAA and served as Chair, BOD (Board of Directors).

Changes

• Changes in the equipment (e.g. size of bat, texture [using pimples]) and the rules.
• In the early days, most players used the “handshake” grip. Later, players used the “pen holder” grip.
• There used to be games of 21 points.The winner is decided over the best of three (or five).
• In recent tournaments, the game is shorted to 11 (or so) points. The winner is decided over the best of seven.

(14) Tennis

Tennis Court

• Tennis courts are provided by RU, RIT & Organizations (e.g. at Theinbyu Court).
• Some homes have Tennis Courts and often produce good Tennis players at the University and National level.

Outstanding Tennis Players

• Joe Ba Maung : National Champion in Singles; National Champion in Mens’s Doubles with Than Lwin; National Champion in Mixed Doubles with Ruby Kha; Taught English at RIT; Transferred to Railways
  & oversaw the Burma Railways Sports programs

• Than Lwin : Succeeded Joe Ba Maung as National Champion
• Tin Si & Khin Si
• Pe Than Maung
• Thein Tun (Robert)
• Biak Cin
• Maung Maung Lay (Ah Pu Lay)
• Than Htut
• Aung Htay
• Khin Maung Aye
• Tin Aung Cho

• Mu Mu Khin (Daphne Tha Doke)
• Joy Hla Pe
• Jacqueline Tun Shwe
• Daw Ruby Kha (Mixed Doubles)

RIT Tennis

• Kyaw Sint (E Tai, T70, GBNF)
  National Junior Champion in high school. University First Eleven in soccer.
• Soe Tha (EC67)
• Tun Kyi (M67, GBNF)
• Kyaw Nyunt (M69, GBNF)
• James Than (70)
• Htin Myaing (A66)

Several sayas (Dr. Aung Gyi, U Tin Hlaing, U Tu Myint) played Tennis.

International

• The US Tennis Federation sent some players (Stan Smith, Bob Lutz) to Burma to hold Tennis Clinics and Exhibition Matches (with selected Burmese Tennis stars).
• Rod Laver (“Rocket”) won two “True” Grand Slams:
  First time as an Amateur
  Second time as a Professiona
  Won all four Grand Slam Tournaments (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open) in the same Calendar year.
• Some (e.g. Andre Agassi) won Career Grand Slam.Won the four Tournaments at different times in their career, but not in the same Calendar year.
• Pete Sampras has many Wimbledon titles (played on the Grass Court). He has more Grand Slam titles than Andre Agassi, but he never won the French Open (played on the Clay Court).
• Novak Djokovic currently holds the World Record for the most Grand Slam titles. He beat the records set by Roger Federer & Rafael Nadal.
• “Who is the Greatest Of All Times (GOAT)?” varies with the sports writers and players spanning several generations.

(15) Thaing

It is a generic name for Burmese/Myanmar Martial Arts.

It comprises of

• Bando (unarmed combat Thaing)
• Banshay (armed combat Thaing).

There are various schools of Thaing.

One famous school was started by Saya U Pyi Thein. He is familiar with the other martial arts. He translated/adapted a book on selected martial arts around the world. An unconventional one is called “Naga Ngway Thaing” where the practitioner “emits” a “horrible” smell that can knock out people.

U Chit Than succeeded U Pyi Thein as head of their Thaing movement.

Some Thaing sayas are experts in other disciplines.

U Po Kyaw Myint was a University Lecturer in Burmese. His pen name is Myan Sar Gon Kyaw Myint.

U Mya Thein is a lawyer. He also starred in the movie “Thadin Kyut Tat Myee” along side Jolly Swe.

U San Maung taught Academy Nyunt Win for “Bando Lugalay Hnit Thuzar”. He also performed stunt in several movies.

U Min Din was a high school Luyechun. He volunteered for the Thaing demos at YTU and other schools.

Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) served as President of the RIT Thaing Association. Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69) served as Joint Secretary.

There is also a school called “Thaing Byaung Byan” (literally meaning “Reverse Thaing”).

Dr. Khin Maung U (SPHS63) wrote :

Had a chance to treat “Thaing Byaung Byan” U Maung Lay in Wards 19&20, Yangon Hospital, in the 1970s. Can’t recall his illness. His school of martial arts handle and weapons (e.g., sticks, spears, etc.) in an eccentric manner (i.e., not in a balanced manner, holding one side longer than the other), and by so doing, confuses the usual martial arts fighters.

(16) Track and Field

• Once upon a time, Burma was known as a power house of athletics in SEAP games.
• Burma placed first in the 2nd SEAP Games held in December 1961 at Rangoon, Burma.
• Burma also dominated in the 1969 SEAP Games.
• Some competed in the Asian Games and in the Olympics.

Male Track and Field stars

• Kyaw Mra and Kyaw Khin (Hurdles)
• Soe Mra and Maung Maung Mra (Pole vault)

• Myee Tun Naw : Burma & SEAP Champion for Marathon
• Shin Bwe Gan : Burma & SEAP Champion for 5000 and 10000 meters; Runner up in the early Marathons, and eventually ended as a Champion
• Jimmy Crampton (SPHS) : Burma & SEAP Champion for 800 m & 1500 m
• Soe Win : Won 100m and anchored 4 x 100m relay in 2nd SEAP Games
• Tun Mra : Won Gold in 4 x 100m relay
• Kyaw Mra & Kyaw Khin (SPHS)
  : Champion Hurdlers; National Coach
• Win Mra, Soe Mra, Maung Maung Mra : Pole Vault
• Saw Maung Maung Htwe (RIT)
  Marathon (Inter-Institute Individual & Team); Still competing

• Sai Thein Maung (RIT) : Sprint (RIT, Inter-Institute)

Female Track and Field stars

• Gracie Carr (100m & long jump)
• Tin Pu
• Khin Htay
• Jennifer Tin Lay (Javelin and shot put)
• Than Than
• Weik Pan (Marathon)

Inter-school Tournaments

In the early days, there were T&F competitions as part of the Annual Sports (e.g. in SPHS), Inter-school Tournaments and Inter-Institute Tournaments. Some (e.g. Jimmy Crampton) went on to shine as Burma Selected. A few (e.g. Kyaw Mra, Kyaw Khin) later chose to become National Coach.

It is sad to learn that many students would not (or could not) give some time to train and excel in sports in addition to being good in their studies.

KMZ wrote :

Jimmy Crampton is an OP, Old Paulian. If my memory serves me one of his running partners was non other than our own Dr. Rafiul Ahad, ex-UCC.

Rafiul was chosen for the preliminary team for Burma. He placed third in the hurdles. His coach was Kyaw Khin (Old Paulian, and Burma Champion in hurdles and 1500m).

(17) Volleyball

• Kyaw Nyunt, Tin Maung Swe, Kyaw Han, Than Soe, Tha Din, Ohn Shein : Burma Selected
• Ko Aye, Shwe Kyaw : RU & BIT
• Orson, Edison, Khin Kyaw Nyein : RIT
• Aye Thein, Maung Maung, Myint Maung : RIT EE

(18) Weightlifting

• U Zaw Weik : Competed in the Olympics; Co-founded Burma Olympic Committee
• U Aung Gyi : World Record in Snatch for Flyweight Division in the early 1970s; Competed in World Championship & Munich Olympics
• Dr. Kyaw Sein, Khin Win, Jimmy Kyin, Thein Aung, Ohn Khin : RIT Weightlifting and Body Building

(19) Yachting

• U Maung Maung Lwin (SEAP Gold)
• Dr. Richard Yu Khin (SEAP Gold)
• Dr. Khin Thein / Victor (SEAP Gold)
• Dr. Tun Thein / George (SEAP Gold)
• Htoo Aung Gyi (SEAP Gold)
• U Tin Htoon (SEAP Silver)
• U Hla Khin (SEAP Silver)
• Dr. Shirley Thein Maung (Burma)
• Dr. Rosie Thein Maung (Burma)

(20) All-round Athlete

Memories of Ko Aung Khin

by Ko Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70)

Ko Aung Khin was in his second half of his 5th year class (either Mech or Agri, not sure) when we entered RIT in Nov 1964. One good thing about Hostel life in those days is, your dining table mates were selected for you at random.

I was blessed to be at the same dining table with Ko Aung Khin in the May ‘ 65 semester, when he was starting his final year and I got to know him. Ko Aung Khin played on the RIT B soccer team that year, and in the basketball finals against A&S, at the RC center, we cheered for him.

Again in Nov ’65, I remember cheering him play on the RIT volleyball team against A& S.

Best of all, I was among the few RIT fans sitting in front of the high jump pit at the Universities Sports day January 1966, and we cheered as he out jumped Mg Mg Mra of A & S to take the gold.

Years late, 1975, I saw him again when I went to the tractor repair shop at 9th mile for help in repairing our tractors in our factory. He was the second in command at that place then. Last time I saw him was at the bus stop in Kamayut late 1975. I was rushing to get on the No 8 bus and I heard ” Pyai Pyai Pou “. Turned around and there he was, standing and smiling at me.

I really like to know where Ko Aung Khin is now. Maybe Emma Myint may know. She and Tin May Soe were among the RIT girls taught how to play volleyball by Ko Aung Khin back in 1964/65.

Editor’s Notes :

• During our RIT days, Saya U Maung Maung Than (Tex) was Chair of the RIT Sports Council.
• RIT Selected were awarded certificates.
• I received a certificate for representing RIT in Rowing.
• I remember Ko Aung Khin receiving five (or more) certificates. He represented RIT in Track and Field, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and hiking.

(21) Sports & Studies

In the early days, there were several people who were excellent in their studies and in their hobby sports.

For example, Dr. Harry Saing (Htut Saing, Pediatric Surgeon, GBNF) served as Captain of RUBC. He won with U Tin Htoon (A60) the Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs in 1958 ARAE (Amateur Rowing Association of the East) Regatta in Calcutta. He won with U Victor Htun Shein, U Sunny Teng, U Tin Htoon (A60) and U Sein Htoon (M63) the Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours in the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo. He was Burma Selected in Hockey and Cricket, and represented the Faculty of Medicine in T&F and soccer. He assisted Dr. Pe Nyun (Dick San Pe, Pediatric Surgeon, Past Captain and Gold of RUBC) for the first ever operation in Burma to separate conjoined twins (Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San). He later taught at the University of Hong Kong, and also served as Patron for the Hong Kong Rowing Club. Per his wishes, his ashes were scattered in the waters near the Hong Kong Rowing Club.

Even in our days, there were several people who were good in sports and studies. Htay Aung (M69), Sai Kham Pan (EP69), Wunna Sithu (EC71), and Victor Aung Myin (M72) are some examples.

Class of 69

Aung Gyi Shwe & Khin Than Myint Tin competed in Track and Field.

Soe Win was Captain of RIT Basketball. Han Sein & Tommy are team members.

Sai Kham Pan was Burma Selected in Badminton. He also led the RIT team to Inter-Institute Championship. Myint Sein & Bishnu are team members.

Htay Aung was Burma Selected in Water Polo. He also led the RIT Swimming & Water Polo teams. Sein Myint, Jimmy Kyin, Win Maung, Hla Kyaing, Swan Kong & Han Sein are team members.

Class of 70

The Class of 70 was represented in RIT and/or Inter-Institute by the following :

Source : Ohn Khine (M70) and Zaw Min Nawaday (EP70)

• Sai Thein Maung (100m, Triple Jump, RIT Goalkeeper, organizer of Intake of 64 & 65)
• Shein Kee Gae GBNF Track & Field (Long Distance runner)
• Saw Mg Mg Htwe Track & Field (still running long distance races)
• Oo Myint (Mn) Track & Field
• Win Naing Track & Field
• Lei Lei Chit (Ch) Track & Field
• Nan Khaming (A) Track & Field
• Maung Maung Thaw (E) Track & Field, and Boxing

RIT Sports Stars

Aung Khin (M66) is a multiple-sports athlete. He won the Inter-Institute High Jump by beating the Burma selected from RASU. He also represented RIT in soccer, volley ball, basketball and hiking.

Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T68) and Victor Aung Myin (M72) are also star athletes.

Sports Coverage

Before the advent of TV and the Internet, one has to follow sports via radio and newspapers.

Won a ticket from my “Morals and Manners” class teacher to see 1960 Rome Olympics Documentary at Thamada (President) Cinema. Armin Harry (Germany) won the 100m and 200m. Rafer Johnson (US) won the Decathlon. Abebe Bikila (Ethiopia) won the Marathon while running bare foot. He would successfully defend his title in 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

I was able to watch the 1972 Munich Olympics on a color TV.

Fast forward. … Usain Bolt retired as the “fastest man”.

Hope we will see well-rounded student athletes in Myanmar again.

Aung Win (C87) wrote :

Jennifer Tin Lay is still working as sport instructor in International School Myanmar near my home.
Teachers of Myanmar (mostly female teachers) cannot guide students to do sports activities. Hardly expect again for well-rounded student athletes.No block selected.

(23) Olympics

Origin

• Modern Olympics was a revival of the ancient games held every four years at Olympia.
• The four year interval is called an Olympiad. The ancient Greeks use Olympiad instead of years when describing dates.
• Pierre de Coubertin created the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894.
• IOC selects a city or cities to hold the Summer Olympics and the Winter Olympics. The two Olympics are interlaced.
• There were no Olympics in 1940 and 1944. Berlin Olympics was held in 1936.
  London Olympics was held in 1948.
• 2020 Olympics scheduled for Tokyo was postponed to July 2021 due to COVID-19.
• 2024 Olympics was held in Rio de Janerio.
• 2028 Olympics will be held in Los Angeles

Drama in the Olympics

Summer Olympics has its share of drama.

Berlin Olympics (1936)

The 1936 Summer Olympics was held in Berlin and was attended by Adolf Hitler (who promoted the supremacy of the Aryan race). Jesse Owens, a black athlete from the USA, won four Gold medals : 100m, 200m, 4 x 100m relay, and Long Jump.

The drama occurred in the Long Jump event. Jesse Owens was having some problems in the Long Jump when the German competitor Lang advised him to leave about six inches gap behind the broad to prevent overstepping and getting disqualified. Jesse took the advice, regained his poise and went on to win the Long Jump Gold. It was a mark of true sportsmanship.

Note : Jesse Owens later “took back” the story. Since there was not much media coverage, there is no proof or disproof.

Munich Olympics (1972)

• Mark Spitz (USA) won seven Gold medals in record time in swimming : 100m & 200m Freestyle, 100m & 200m Butterfly, 4 x 100m Freestyle relay, 4 x 200m Freestyle relay, and 4 x 100 Medley relay.
  Saved energy by skipping the trials of selected relay events.
• Olga Kolburt (USSR) was awarded a couple of Perfect Ten in Gymnastics.
• Eleven Israeli athletes were kidnapped (shown live on TV) and murdered by Black September. Mossad took several years to track down & decimate Black September.

Boycotts

• USA boycotted the 1980 Olympics held in Moscow.
• USSR retaliated with a boycott of the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles.

Olympians

• Some Olympians went on to have illustrious careers.
• Johnny Weissmuller, swimming champion, gained fame as Tarzan in the movies.
• Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion, went on to become Mohammad Ali, three time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion.

Media Coverage

• During my SPHS days, there was no television in Burma.
• I received a ticket from Brother Austin as a prize to see the “1960 Rome Olympics” documentary at Thamada (President) cinema.
• I was in the UK and was fortunate to see the 1972 Munich Olympics on a Color television.

(24) RU Sports

Sports Council

Rangoon University used to have a Sports Council. It awards Varsity Blue and Half Blue to the selected athletes.

In our days, U Maung Maung Than (T, GBNF) chaired the RIT Sports Committee. Certificates were presented to the RIT sportsmen and sportswomen at the Annual gathering.

(25)!RIT Sports

Sports Committee

• Chaired by U Maung Maung Than (Tex, GBNF); Later became Rector of YTU
• Committee would organize an Annual Dinner where Certificates were awarded to the students who had represented RIT in the various sports.
• Received a certificate for Rowing.
• Ko Aung Khin (M66) received six certificates.

Inter-Institute Championships

Over the years, RIT won several Inter-Institute Championships. They include

• Badminton
• Chinlon
• Rowing
• Soccer
• Swimming and Water Polo
• Table Tennis
• Tennis
• Track and Field (Cross Country)
• Weight lifting & Body building

News and photos are covered in several of my posts.

(26) World Cup

• Started as a challenge between selected European soccer clubs and South American soccer clubs.
• Several boycotts in the early years.
• Number of entries for World Cup was expanded initially to 16 teams, and later 24 and 32 teams.
• There will be 48 teams on or before 2026 World Cup to ensure a larger participation from all continents.

Jules Rimet Trophy

The trophy (named after the founding President) was won outright by Brazil, after winning the World Cup three times in

• Sweden (1958) with a youngster named Pele
• Chile (1962) with Garrincha — born with deformed feet — joining Pele
• Mexico (1970) with Pele as the Best Player

FIFA World Cup Trophy

Trophy which succeeded the Jules Rimet Trophy is handed over to the winner during the presentation. Winner only takes home a replica.

Brazil won the Trophy twice, making it the only nation with five World Cup Titles.

Germany is second with four titles, but got knocked off in World Cup 2018.

Won the World Cup as a player and as a manager

• Mario Zagallo (Brazil) : 1958 and 1962 as a player, 1970 as Manager
• Franz Beckenbauer (Germany) : 1974 as Captain,
  1990 as Manager
• Didier Deschamps (France) :
  1998 as Captain, 2018 as Manager

Youngest Teenager to score in a Final

Pele (Brazil, 1958) is the youngest teenager to score in a World Cup Final. He was 17 years old.

Youngest Team to win World Cup

Brazil (1970) is the youngest team to win the World Cup

World Cup 2018

• France (2018) is the second youngest team to win the World Cup. Mbappe (France, 2018) is the second youngest teenager to score in a World Cup Final. He was 19 years old.
• 50 players in World Cup 2018 were born or raised in France.
• Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was employed in World Cup 2018.

Team Sports

• Soccer is a team sports
• Many star players fail to win the World Cup.
  Puskas (Hungary, 1954)
  Johan Kruff (Netherlands, 1970)
  Ronaldo (Portugal) has not won yet

Transformation

Soccer has transformed from a highly offensive game — with Just Fontaine (France) scoring 13 goals to win the Golden Boot — to a mostly defensive game albeit with smart counter-attack game. Henry Kane scored 6 goals in 2018 World Cup. His closest challengers scored 4 goals, and the number of assists was used for the tie-breaker.

In our younger days, most soccer teams used 2-3-5 (two backs, three mid-fielders & five forwards). Then came 3-4-3, 4-2-4, 4-3-3, 4-3-2-1 (with lone striker) and 5-3-2.

Viewing games

We once tried to join a crowd on or near the German Embassy compound showing a movie of the then World Cup match. It is now common to join “watch parties” for interesting matches if one does not want to see on the smart devices and the large screen TVs alone.

U Khin Maung Zaw (EC76, UCC) wrote :

In many sports, the street smart is one of ingredients if you will in addition to the skills and talent, practice and experience to become a successful.

There was an interesting article on the current crops of successful young footballers coming out of Paris suburbs. Many of these suburbs are economically challenge, inhabited by immigrants especially from African nations. Quite a few of these players could not even find their place in the French National Team and ended up playing for one of their parents’ nations.

It is also interested to note that as the many European countries transformed from somewhat monolithic to multi-culture societies their National teams started to reflect this trend.