Waiting game continues for pioneering sports institute in Arakan State

By DMG 22 Jan 2022

DMG Newsroom
22 January 2022, Sittwe 

Construction on an Institute of Sports and Physical Education, the first of its kind in Arakan State, began in 2018, but the project has been beset by delays for three years. 

The institute is being built in Khatinpaik village, about 10 miles from Sittwe, with funds from the Union budget. Most of the building has been completed, but the opening of the institute has been delayed due to the need to build additional facilities, said U Maung Maung Myint, the school’s principal. 

“In addition to the existing facilities at the school, there will be a gymnasium for athletes, staff housing, clinics and libraries. Only when these facilities are completed will we be able to open the school,” he told DMG. 

The principal did not say why the construction had not been completed for more than three years. It was not immediately clear when the school would open. 

Once the school is opened, it will accept Grade 9 students ranging in age from 12 to 13. The school will also set certain physical criteria for students, including height, weight, and physical fitness, as well as interest in sports.

The school will focus on teaching football, and track and field to students. The students will also be taught sports such as judo, wrestling, taekwondo and karate. 

“The aim is to include these sports at the beginning of the academic year and other sports will be expanded based on student acceptance,” he added. 

The school will enrol 120 to 160 students, with the aim of promoting sports standards, and producing coaches and athletes.