Category: Sports

First SEAP Games

• The First SEAP (South East Asia Peninsular) Games was held in Bangkok in 1959.
• Tun Mra, Kyaw Mra, Soe Mra and Tun Naung competed in Track and Field.
• Tun Aung and Victor Pe-Win competed in Tennis.
• Tin Maung Ni competed in Swimming

Second SEAP Games

• The Second SEAP Games was held in Rangoon in December 1961.
• Aung San Stadium was the main venue for Track & Field and Soccer.
  The indoor stadium hosted Basketball, Volleyball, …
• Swimming, Diving and Water Polo contests were held at the Amyotha Yay Koo Kan (National Swimming Pool) on U Wisara Road.

• Dean U Yu Khin was Chairman of the Sports Promotion Committee.
• U Tin Maung Swe was Secretary of the Sports Promotion Committee.
• Dr. Ko Ko Lay was Chairman of the University Sports Council.

The University Students represented Burma in the Games include

• Tun Mra, Kyaw Mra, Soe Mra and Tun Naung (Athletics)
• Derek Lynsdale and Aye Kyaw (Swimming)
• Richard Yu Khin (Yachting)
• Joe Ba Maung, Than Lwin and Mu Mu Khin (Tennis)
• Mao Toon Siong and C. Say Eng (Table Tennis)
• Maung Hla and Thida (Badminton)
• Myo Nyunt (Weightlifting)
• Kyaw Han (Volleyball)
• Nyan Min (Basketball)

Athletics

• In Track and Field, Burma placed first in the medal standings.
• Tun Mra won a Gold in the 4×100 m relay with Soe Aung (Burma Champion) as anchor.
• Kyaw Mra won Silver in the Hurdles.
  He would later serve as National Coach.
• Soe Mra won the Pole Vault.
• Tun Mra, Kyaw Mra and Soe Mra are the sons of U Shwe Mra.
• The ladies won several Gold Medals.
  e.g. Gracie Carr won the 100m and the Long Jump.

Swimming

• In Swimming, Burma placed first in the medal standings.
• Tin Maung Ni won 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 4x100m freestyle relay, and 4×100 medley relay.
• His team mates won the other events.
• Aye Kyaw (cousin of Dr. Hla Yee Yee) and Derek Lynsdale are RU athletes.
  Aye Kyaw later joined the Navy.

Yachting

• Richard Yu Khin won Gold in Yachting with U Maung Maung Lwin (Commodore of Rangoon Sailing Club).

Tennis

• Joe Ba Maung was the National Singles Champion in Tennis.
  He and Than Lwin were the National Doubles Champion.
  He and Sayama Daw Ruby Kha won the National Mixed Doubles.
• Than Lwin would succeed Joe Ba Maung as the Singles Champion.
• Mu Mu Khin (Daphne Tha Dok) was the Ladies Champion.
• Than Lwin and Mu Mu Khin later married.

Table Tennis

• Mao Toon Siong was Burma Champion for Singles and Doubles in Table Tennis.
  He later served as National Coach.

Volleyball

• The Burma team won the Gold Medal.
• Kyaw Han is an athlete from Rangoon University.

Athletics

• Ko Aung Gyi Shwe
• Ko Myo Nyunt
• Ma Khin Than Myint Tin (Margaret)

Badminton

• Sai Kham Pan (Burma selected)
• Ko Myint Sein
• Bishnu Shahi

Basketball

• Ko Soe Win
• Ko Han Sein
• Ko Tommy
• Ma Lyo Kyin Sein

Chess

• Ko Aung Than

Chinlon

• Ko Tin Shein
• Ko Htin Aung

Rowing

• Ko Hla Min
• Ko Chit Po Po
• Ko Sein Myint
• Ko Win Naing (Dicky)
• Ko Win Maung

Soccer

• Ko Kyaw Sint
• Ko Myo Nyunt

Swimming and Water Polo

• Ko Htay Aung (Burma selected)
• Ko Sein Myint
• Ko Han Sein
• Ko Moe Hein
• Ko Hla Kyaing
• Ko Win Maung

Table Tennis

• Ko Tin Myint

Tennis

• Ko Kyaw Sint
• Ko Kyaw Nyunt

Volleyball

• Saw Edison
• Sa Maung Maung
• Ko Myint Maung (Bu)
• Ko Aye Thein

Weightlifting and Body Building

• Ko Jimmy Kyin
• Ko Khin Win
• Ko Myint Soe

Male Swimmers

• Tin Maung Ni
• Mya Thee
• Maung Kyi
• Aung Than
• Nyunt Soe
• Chit Soe
• Oscar Thwin
• Derek Lynsdale
• Aye Kyaw
• Willie Huie
• Richard Yu Khin
• Htay Aung
• Nanda Kyaw Zwar

Female Swimmers

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

Divers

• Thet Win
• Philip Smythe
• William Smythe

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.

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

Thaing comprises of
(a) Bando (unarmed combat Thaing)
and
(b) Banshay (armed combat Thaing).

There are various schools of Thaing.

One famous school was started by U Pyi Thein.
He was familiar with 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.

Ko Min Din was a high school Luyechun.
He along with Ko Aung Thein and Ko Myint Thein performed 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.

Early Female Rower

• Ma Khin Myat (Susan) was from the first batch of female students who joined the Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC).
• Represented the Institute of Economics and RUBC.

Micro-meeting

• Met her at Dhammanda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, California.
• Told Uzin Kondannadhaja (U Chan Min, de facto leader of the Eco Rowing teams, resident monk since his retirement) that she had to take care full time for her ailing husband.

Trip to Myanmar

• One day, she requested time off from her husband to visit Myanmar and to do meritorious deeds.
• Sad to say, she passed away in Myanmar

Samvega

• People, who take care of their ailing loved ones, can be stressed out physically and mentally.
• Healthy people can pass away unexpectedly.

Photo provided by Dr. Richard Yu Khin

• The 2nd SEAP (South East Asia Peninsular) Games was held in Rangoon in December 1961.
• Aung San Stadium was the main venue for Track & Field and Soccer.
• Swimming, Diving and Water Polo contests were held at the Amyotha Yay Koo Kan (National Swimming Pool) on U Wisara Road.

• Dean U Yu Khin
  Chairman of the Sports Promotion Committee.
• U Tin Maung Swe
  Former Burma Selection for Volleyball
  Secretary of the Sports Promotion Committee.
• Dr. Ko Ko Lay
  Chairman of the University Sports Council.

Rangoon University Athletes, who represented Burma in the SEAP Games, include :

• Tun Mra, Kyaw Mra, Soe Mra and Tun Naung (Athletics)
• Maung Hla and Thida (Badminton)
• Nyan Min (Basketball)
• Derek Lynsdale and Aye Kyaw (Swimming)
• Mao Toon Siong and C. Say Eng (Table Tennis)
• Joe Ba Maung, Than Lwin and Mu Mu Khin (Tennis)
• Kyaw Han (Volleyball)
• Myo Nyunt (Weightlifting)
• Richard Yu Khin (Yachting)

Athletics

Photo : provided by U Tun Mra

• In Track and Field, Burma placed first in the medal standings.
• Tun Mra and Tun Naung won Gold in the 4×100 m relay with Soe Win (Burma Champion) as anchor.
  They also competed in the First SEAP Games in Bangkok in 1959.
• Tun Mra was interviewed for the Documentary for RU Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.
  Captain of RU Track and Field.
  Eldest son of U Shwe Mra.
  He and five younger brothers are Burma Selected.
• Kyaw Mra (GBNF) won Silver in the Hurdles.
  Later joined SPED and served as National Coach.
  Second son of U Shwe Mra.
• Soe Mra won the Pole Vault.
  Also won in a subsequent SEAP Games.
  Third son of U Shwe Mra.

Badminton

• Maung Hla represented Burma since his Moulmein College days
• Thida was absent at the Photo Shoot

Basketball

• Nyan Min was absent at the Photo Shoot

Swimming

• In Swimming, Burma placed first in the medal standings.
• Tin Maung Ni (former RU Champion, Navy) won 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 4x100m freestyle relay, and 4×100 medley relay. His team mates won the other events.
• Aye Kyaw (cousin of Dr. Hla Yee Yee) and Derek Lynsdale represented Burma in swimming.
  Aye Kyaw joined Burma Navy.
  Derek’s mother is a Professor.

Table Tennis

• Mao Toon Siong
  National Champion for Singles and Doubles in Table Tennis.
  Competed in SEAP, Asian Games and World Championship
  Joined Mechanical Engineering Department, RIT
  Managed and coached the RIT team which won the Inter-Institute Trophy.
  Later served as National Coach.
• C Say Eng was absent at the Photo Shoot

Tennis

• Joe Ba Maung
  National Singles Champion in Tennis.
  National Men’s Doubles Champion with Than Lwin.
  National Mixed Doubles Champion with Sayama Daw Ruby Kha.
  Taught English at RIT.
  Joined Burma Railways.
  Victim of 8-8-88
• Than Lwin
  Succeeded Joe Ba Maung as the Singles Champion.
• Mu Mu Khin (Daphne Tha Dok)
  National Ladies Champion
  Later married Than Lwin.

Volleyball

• Kyaw Han
  Won Gold with the Burma team
  Was absent at the Photo Shoot

Weightlifting

• Myo Nyunt
  Father : Founding member of Kaya Bala movement in Burma
  Was interviewed for the Documentary for RU Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.

Yachting

• Richard Yu Khin
  Won Gold in Yachting with U Maung Maung Lwin (former Weightlifting Champion, Commodore of Rangoon Sailing Club).

Comments

• U Tun Mra was interviewed by U Tin Nyo and team (BERB) for the RU Sports Documentary for the RU Diamond Jubilee.
  He was Captain of the RU Track and Field.
  He and his two younger brothers and Tun Naung competed in 1st SEAP and 2nd SEAP Games (and more).

• Edward Maung wrote :
  I remember both SEAP Games in Rangoon.I was about an early teen or a tween during the 1961 SEAPGames in YGN. I remember some of the athletes in the above picture. The three Mra brothers (Tun Mra, Kyaw Mra and Soe Mra, Tun Naung (Noel Tin), Ko Than Lwin ( Tennis). I didn’t know them personally except for Ko Than Lwin. I had seen them in person on a few occasions in my teen years.

During our days

• Saya U Yone Moe (GBNF) was the Rector.

• Saya U Maung Maung Than (Tex, GBNF) was Chairman of RIT Sports Committee.

• Saya U Thein Lwin (EE, GBNF) was President of RIT Badminton Association.

Inter-Institute Tournament

• RIT won the trophy

Sai Kham Pan (EC69) was Burma Selected. He would bring back shuttle cocks, which were “still good” but discarded at the Training Camp, for his hostel mates. He was then Number Two in Singles, and Number One in Doubles with Kyi Nyunt (Sagaing, Burma Champion). Due to tight schedules for some tournaments overseas, he had to take books along to study for the examinations.

He had excellent foot work and strong wrists. He needed training partners at RIT. Ko Myint Sein (M69, GBNF) was his partner in training and in competition. Ko Khin Maung Win (Sargalay, EP69, GBNF) was his “reliable” training partner. SKP would give Sargalay 10+ bonus points for the 15 point game.

Bishnu Shasi (EE69er, GBNF) was also a good Badminton player.

Tommy Shwe (1st BE Intake of 64, GBNF) was also a good player. He left RIT before graduation to Taiwan and later moved to USA.

Khin Maung Zaw wrote:

There was another student, couple of years behind, who played badminton and also a long distance runner. I believe he’s from Textile. Unfortunately, I could not recall his name. We used to hand out at Athletic officer Ko Maung Maung’s office in those days. 

Athletics

Myee Tun Naw was Burma and SEAP Champion for Marathon.

The Mra brothers — Tun Mra (sprint), Kyaw Mra (hurdles) and Soe Mra (Pole Vault) — represented Burma in the 1st and 2nd SEAP Games. They won Gold and Silver Medals.

Sumbwegan was Burma and SEAP Champion for 5000 and 10000 meters. He succeeded Myee Tun Naw as Marathon Champion.

Jimmy Crampton was Burma and SEAP Champion for 1500 meters.

Gracie Carr, Ma Tin Pu, Ma Khin Htay, and Jennifer Tin Lay were Burma Champions in Track and Field.

Boxing

Kyar Ba Nyein was a Boxing Champion in the early days. He trained several boxers who became National Champions.

Thein Myint and Tin Tun were Burma Boxing Champions. They represented Burma in SEAP, Asian Games and Olympics.

Judo

Many Judo champions were from the Army.

Myint Lwin (Charlie) and Tin Maung Aye were RU and Burma Champions

Rowing

The list of RUBC Golds can be found in the 90th Anniversary Issue of the founding of RUBC.

There is a Facebook group for YUBC Old Members.

U Tin Htoon and Dr. Harry Saing won the Venables Bowl for coxless pairs at the 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta.

U Tin Htoon, Dr. Harry Saing, Victor Htun Shein, Sunny Teng and U Sein Htoon won the Willingdon Trophy for coxed fours at the 1960 ARAE Eegatta in Colombo.

Soccer

Suk Bahadhur played soccer for Shan States, Army and Burma. He was Captain of the Burma Selected. He was also chosen as a Asian All Star.

Other Asian All Stars include

• Maung Maung
• Khin Maung Tun (Goal)
• Tin Aung (Goal)

Swimming

Tin Maung Ni (GBNF) swam for Rangoon University, Navy and Burma. He won several Gold Medals at the SEAP Games and the Asian Games.

Table Tennis

Saya Mao Toon Siong (M62) was Burma Singles and Doubles Champion in Table Tennis. He represented Burma in SEAP, Asian Games and Wold Championship. He served as Coach of the National Table Tennis team.

Tennis

Joe Ba Maung (GBNF) was Burma Singles Champion in Tennis. He was Burma Doubles Champion with Than Lwin. He was Mixed Doubles Champion with Sayama Ruby Kha.

Than Lwin succeeded Joe Ba Maung as Burma Singles Champion. His spouse Mu Mu Khin represented RU and Burma in the Second SEAP Games.

Later, Maung Maung Lay (Ah Pu Lay) became Burma Singles Champion in Tennis. He was Burma Doubles Champion with Than Htut.

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.

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.

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.

• Old members of Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC) are fondly known as Old Crocs (or Crocodiles).
• They cherish the motto “Row till you are dead” and the RUBC Song “Pull long and steady …”.

• During our RUBC days, there was an “Old Members Race” at the Monsoon and Annual Regattas.
• The contestants range from young Old Members to the iconic Past Champions.
• Some Old Crocs notably U San Maung (Gerald, GBNF) and Dr. Htut Saing (Harry, GBNF) served as RUBC Coach.
  Dr. Harry Saing usually rowed as Bow, but he led the RUBC crew in 1962 as Timing Stroke and Coach. U Win Kyi (GBNF) rowed as No. 7. Brand new Golds were awarded to Myo Tin, Htain Lin, Winston Tun Thoung, Myo Myint, Micky Tan (GBNF) and Victor Wu (GBNF).
  U San Maung told his mentees (including aspiring Golds) to practice with the Fixed Tub before rowing the boats.

• Mr. C H Chan (GBNF), U Kyaw Thein (GBNF), U Tin U, Dr. Pe Nyun (GBNF), U Maung Maung Than Tun (GBNF), U Chan Tha (GBNF), Dr. Myo Tint (GBNF), U Tin Htut, Dr. Harry Saing (GBNF), Dr. Than Nyun (George), U Tin Htoon, U Han Tin (GBNF), Dr. Tin Wa, U Sein Htoon, U Thaung Lwin, U Myo Tin and U Zaw Lin are some of the Past Captain & Gold of RUBC.

• U Tun Shein (Willie), Dr. Donald Chan, Dr. Thein Htut, Dr. Eddie Hla Min, Jimmy Saw Lwin (GBNF), U Tun Aung (George), U Win Kyi (GBNF), U Than Tin (GBNF), Maurice Tun Thoung, Mya Maung (Min Aung), Victor Htun Shein (GBNF), Sunny Teng, G Ko Lay (GBNF), L Than Myint, U Than Soe, U Myo Myint and U Than Htut are some of the RUBC Golds.
• A list of Captain and/or Gold can be found in the Souvenir Magazines.

• I was the last Executive Committee member to be elected democratically (and not selected by the higher authorities). I served as Treasurer and Vice Captain, and some “powers to be” prevented me from becoming Captain.

• I served as Contributing Editor of the Souvenir Magazine for the RUBC 90th Anniversary. I wrote Prelude for each section. I wrote three articles.

• I also donated for reprinting Sir Aurthur Eggar’s autobiography.

• The old crocs have their mini-reunions where ever possible. They also share memories of the precious photos (e.g. of U Chan Tha, Jimmy Saw Lwin, …)
• When RUBC was destroyed due to the ravages of war, the Old Crocs rebuilt the Club and provided physical, financial and spiritual support to the members to compete against the best from neighboring countries.
• Dr. Htut Saing (Harry) would fully support the RUBC crews competing in the FEARA Regatta in Hong Kong.

• Sad to note that there was apparently some disjoint between the really young members (who are busy with the competitions) and the really Old Members (especially who travel from abroad to attend the events).
• Hope YUBC members have better rapport with the Old Crocs.

Memories

• When RUBC was destroyed due to the ravages of war, the Old nembers rebuilt the Club and provided physical, financial and spiritual support to the members to compete against the best from neighboring countries.

• During our younger days, there is an “Old Members Race” at the Monsoon and Annual Regattas. Contestants range from young Old Members to Past Champions.
• Old Crocs have mini-reunions.
• Some (via their children) share memories.
  U Maung Maung Than Tun (GBNF)
  U Chan Tha (GBNF)
  U Tun Shein
  Jimmy Saw Lwin (GBNF)

U San Maung / Gerald Sein (GBNF)

• Past Secretary and RUBC Gold
• Brothers : Henry, Hardy
• Would find time from his work as Production Manager of “Amotha Yoke Shin”, and come down to RUBC to mentor the members (especially the aspiring Golds).
• Mandate “fixed tub” practice for the members

Dr. Htut Saing / Harry Saing (GBNF)

• Past Captain and Gold of RUBC
• Siblings : Sheila, Victor, Shirley
• Won the Venables Bowl for Coxless Pairs at the 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta with U Tin Htoon
• Won the Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours in the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Colombo with U Tin Htoon, Sunny Teng , Victor Htun Shein and U Sein Htoon

• Usually rowed as Bow
• As an exception, he served as Timing Stroke and Coach for the RUBC Eights in 1962.
  U Win Kyi (RUBC Gold) rowed as No. (7).
  There were seven new Golds in that crew : Myo Tin (William), Htain Linn and Mehm Myo Thaung (Maurice) for the Stroke side, Myo Myint, Oung Kyaing and Thein Aung (Micky Tan) for the Bow side and Tin Aung (Victor Wu, Cox).

• Dr. Pe Nyun (Dick, Past Secretary and Gold of RUBC) and Dr. Htut Saing (Harry) were Pediatric Surgeons at the Rangoon Children Hospital.
  They operated on Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San (conjoined twins)

• Continued working and teaching in Hong Kong.
• Patron of the Hong Kong Rowing and Sailing Club.
• Supported RUBC crews in FEARA Regatta at Hong Kong
• GBNF

U Chan Tha (GBNF)

• Multi-talented athlete.
• Represented the University of Rangoon in Rowing and Soccer.
• Burma Selected in Soccer.
• Past Captain and Gold of RUBC

Wedding of U Maung Maung Than Tun’s Grand Daughter

• There was a mini-reunion of Old Crocs (Old Members of Rangoon University Boat Club) in December 12, 2017.
• Host : Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun (retired Ambassador, Gold, Oldest RUBC Past Captain) and family
• Event: Wedding of U MMTT’s grand daughter (daughter of U Hla Maw Tun, Past Secretary)
• Attendees :
  U Tun Shein (Willie, RUBC Gold),
  Dr. Than Nyun (George, Past Captain and Gold),
  U Tin Htoon (A60, Past Captain and Gold).

Activities

Many attended the Regattas and the meetings of OMA (Old Members Association)

• U Tin U (Most senior Past Captain)
• U Maung Maung Than Tun (Oldest Past Captain)
• Dr. Myo Tint (Past Captain)
• U Tin Htut (Past Captain)
• Dr. Than Nyun (Past Captain)
• U Tin Htoon (Past Captain)
• Dr. Tin Wa (Past Captain)
• U Sein Htoon (Past Captain)
• U Thaung Lwin (Past Captain)
• U Htaik San (Henry, Past Captain)
• U Tun Shein (Willie, Past Secretary)
• Dr. Donald Chan (Gold)
• U Tun Aung (George, Gold)
• U Myo Myint (Gold)
• U Than Htut (Gold)
• U Thura Thant Zin (Gold)
• U Thant Kyaw (Gold)
• U Tin Myint (GBNF)
• U Tun Mra
• U Hla Kyi
• U Hla Myint (Michael)

Several contributed articles, photos and financial support for printing the 90th Anniversary Issue, and for reprinting Sir Arthur Eggar’s biography.

Sad to note that there was some disjoint between the really young members (who are busy with the competitions) and the really Old Members (especially who travel from abroad to attend the events).