The Third Asian Archery Grand Prix 2006 and the 2nd Southeast Asia Archery Championship hosted by Myanmar was opened at Kyaikkasan Grounds here today and Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein attended the opening ceremony.

It was also attended by Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Vice-Chairman of MOC Mayor of Yangon Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Member of MOC Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu and members of the committee, the President of the Central Working Committee for Myanmar Women’s Sports Federation, Vice-President of World Archery Federation Mr San Guan Kosanvinta, Vice- President of Asian Archery Federation MAJ Baharuddin Jamil, Honorary President of Myanmar Archery Federation Dr Khin Shwe (Zay Gabar), President of MAF U Tint Hsan (ACE), international judges, diplomats and guests. Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin and the vice-president of WAF and the vice-president of AAF extended greetings at the opening ceremony. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Lt-Gen Myint Swe, Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Mr San Guan Kosanvinta and MAJ Baharuddin Jamil formally opened the 3rd AAGP and the 2nd SAC.

Afterwards, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein cordially greeted managers and coaches of the archery teams and presented commemorative pennants to them.

Honorary President of MAF Dr Khin Shwe presented gifts to Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Lt-Gen Myint Swe and officials concerned.

A total of 146 athletes from China (Taipei), Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Kazetstan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thai and Myanmar will participate in the events which last until 7 November.

Myanmar athletes demonstrated skills of martial arts, Indian club and Wushu and the opening ceremony concluded.