Myanmar (Burma) is known for different spectator and individual sports - with the most popular sports in the country being football, followed closely by golf. Football is the sport everybody in Myanmar is waiting for since the change of their government in the early 90s, and watching football is their own way of bonding and public gathering. Golf is also one of the most popular sports in Myanmar and this sport can be found all over the country.

Spectator and individual sports are not the only sports that can be found in Myanmar. The people here practice some sports that require strength and energy, such as martial arts.

There are various kinds of martial arts in Myanmar and the most popular of which is Lethwei. Lethwei is a form of kick boxing and is very popular. Another popular local sport is Chinlone which is a form of ball-centric game that is very popular in the country and is played by many.

Sepak Takraw match between Myanmar and Thai athletes

Sepak Takraw match between Myanmar and Thai athletes

Below are details of sports, sporting events and sports people related to Myanmar. Is there something missing? If you know of something that should be listed here, please let us know.

Myanmar Traditional or Regional Sports

  • Chinlone — also known as caneball, is the traditional sport of Burma or Myanmar.
  • Lethwei — an unarmed Burmese martial art similar to other kickboxing styles from the region.
  • Myanmar Thaing - a Myanmar Martial Art
  • Bullock Cart Races
  • Boat racing
  • Dragon boat racing
  • Swimming
"Myanmar's sporting heritage is uniquely defined by Lethwei and Chinlone - two traditional sports that reflect the country's cultural identity. Lethwei represents Myanmar's warrior spirit with its bare-knuckle combat style, while Chinlone embodies grace and community through non-competitive play."
— Robert J. Wood, PhD, Founder of Topend Sports

Myanmar Sporting Success

  • Myanmar won a gold medal in wushu at the 2002 Asian Games.
  • Kay Thi Win finished 4th position at the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics
  • Myanmar finished second at the Southeast Asian Games in 2013 with 86 Gold Medals
  • Myanmar women's team won the ASEAN Football Federation Championship twice - 2004 and 2007

SEA Games Success

Myanmar finished 2nd at the 2013 Southeast Asian Games with an impressive 86 gold medals, demonstrating the country's competitive strength in regional sports.

Learn About SEA Games →
"Aung La Nsang's success in international MMA has put Myanmar on the global combat sports map. As the 'Burmese Python,' he has become a national hero and inspired a new generation of Myanmar athletes to pursue careers in professional fighting."
— Robert Wood, founder of Topend Sports

Great Athletes from Myanmar

  • Aung La Nsang – MMA, otherwise known as the "Burmese Python"
  • San Naing – Track & Field
  • Phoe Thaw – MMA
  • Kay Thi Win - Weightlifting

Myanmar Sports Trivia

  • At the 2012 Olympics, Myanmar was the third most populous nation (53 million people) to not win a medal, after Bangladesh (159 million) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (72 million).
  • At the 2004 Athens Olympics, weight-lifter Nan Aye Khine finished 4th in 48 kilogram weightlifting, but then was banned after testing positive for steroids.

Myanmar at Major Events

Past Sporting Events Hosted in Myanmar

Myanmar Olympic History

Explore Myanmar's complete Summer Olympics participation record, including Kay Thi Win's 4th place finish at Sydney 2000.

View Olympic History →

Annual Sporting Events Held in Myanmar

  • Myanmar National League - the main countrywide football competition
  • Yangon Marathon
  • Myanmar National Games - This is an annual event held in Naypyidaw
  • Myanmar Open - It is an annual golf tournament held in Yangon
  • Myanmar National Football League - This is an annual football tournament, which is held in Yangon
  • Myanmar National Athletics Championship - This is an annual athletics tournament, which is held in Yangon

Sporting Facilities in Myanmar

  • Thuwunna stadium, Yangon - often used for international matches
  • Aung San stadium, Yangon
  • National Indoor Stadium, Yangon (for Lethwei)
  • Thein Byu Indoor Stadium (for Lethwei)
  • Pun Hlaing Golf Club - Yangon
"Myanmar's hosting of the 2013 Southeast Asian Games demonstrated the country's growing capacity for international sporting events. The infrastructure developed for these games continues to support the development of elite athletes across multiple sports."
— According to sports science expert Robert Wood