The bronze medal win for Myanmar comes as the team was only formed some six months ago from mostly recruited football players. Singapore had previously beat Myanmar 2-1 in the preliminary round.
Ma Thin Thin Hlaing, Myanmar’s team captain who scored the winning goal yesterday, said, “I am happy and proud of my team to have defeated a world standard team in front of host fans in our own country. And we will play to win the gold medal in the next SEA Games.” Singapore entered the SEA Games ranked 33rd in the world.
Following the women’s match, the vice president of the Myanmar Hockey Federation reminded the men’s team that they also must fulfill their duty, as they prepare to play Thailand for the men’s hockey bronze.
“The women’s team is only six months old. It proved Myanmar’s spirit. Whatever their ability was, they didn’t miss any chance they came across. I am proud of them. I think being ranked 33rd in the world rankings, the Singaporean team...underestimated Myanmar’s women’s team, thinking they would easily defeat us. Tomorrow’s match will also be as good as today’s. They [Myanmar’s men’s team] will play their best for third prize,” announced hockey vice president U Saw Lu Lu Htaw.
seagames2013.com
