KPL
Laos marked the 60th anniversary of National Sports and Physical Education on Monday with a renewed commitment to strengthening youth development, expanding international cooperation and preparing to host the 2031 Southeast Asian Games.
The celebration, held at the National Sports and Physical Education Institute in Vientiane, also commemorated the 117th anniversary of the birth of President Souphanouvong. It was attended by Thongsalith Mangnomek, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Education and Sports and President of the Lao National Olympic Committee, together with senior government officials and representatives of national sports federations.
In his keynote address, Thongsalith outlined four priorities for advancing the country's sports sector. They include strengthening political and moral education through sports, improving talent identification and school-based physical education, enhancing sports governance and infrastructure, and expanding international cooperation to raise coaching and athletic standards.
He said preparations have already begun for Laos' hosting of the 36th SEA Games and 16th ASEAN Para Games in 2031. He also announced plans to upgrade the Sports and Physical Education Institute into a National Institute of Sports and Physical Education while expanding training opportunities for coaches and sports officials.
The minister emphasized transparent management of sports funding and encouraged greater private-sector participation in sports development. He also noted that the renovated Chao Anouvong Stadium, supported by Japan, is expected to be handed over in October 2026.
The celebration featured a public fun walk, aerobics sessions and exhibitions highlighting the achievements of national sports federations and para-athletes.
KPL
