(KPL) The 2nd Lao University Games will officially kick off on May 5, and last through May 14 at the National University of Laos (Dongdok campus), a press conference was told on Tuesday, Apr 30.

Held at the Confucius Institute in Vientiane, the press conference saw the participation of Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Kingmano Phommahaxay, Vice President of the Lao National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the 2nd Lao University Games Oudom Phonkhampheng, relevant officials and media.

The competition will feature 11 sports events such as: running, football, badminton, taekwondo, panchak silat, sepak takraw, indoor and beach volleyball, basketball, karate, judo, e-sports and petanque, according to Mr Oudom Phonkhampeng.

A total of 526 medals will be available for grabs. These include 146 gold medals, 146 silver medals and 234 bronze medals.

The competition will be participated by 14 teams representing National University of Laos, Champasak University, Savannakhet University, Suphanuvong University, University of Health Sciences, National Defense University, Kaisone Phomvihan Academy, People's Security Academy, Physical Education College, Soutsaka Institute of Technology, Banking Institute, National Institute of Justice, Rattana Institute of Business Administration, Kiettisak Technical - Vocational College and Lao-American Institute.

“This competition aims to promote solidarity among higher education institutes, vocational education institutes, public and private colleges in promoting sports and gymnastics among teachers, students thus raising standards of each type of sports to new heights, making student physically and mentally fit for studying and learning so that they can contribute to the national socio-economi development of the country,” Mr Oudom said. 

The purpose of the competition is also to select outstanding and gifted athletes to represent Lao university students at ASEAN University Games and other international sporting events.

KPL