🐎 Phyo Kyaw Myint Than Gains Experience in Equestrian Show Jumping Despite Setbacks
Manama, Bahrain – October 27, 2025:
The Asian Youth Games saw a story of courage and determination as Myanmar’s only athlete, Phyo Kyaw Myint Than, competed in the equestrian show jumping event at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain.
Though the 17-year-old could not complete his round on the borrowed horse Mano Kinsky, his participation symbolized the unyielding spirit of a nation eager to make its mark on the continental stage.
🏇 A Challenging Ride
Representing Myanmar solo, Kyaw faced a steep task — competing with a horse he barely knew.
“I prepared extensively before arriving in Bahrain, but had limited time to get acquainted with the horse I was given here. The rider-horse relationship is crucial in show jumping,” he said after the event. brycer667 aj lee nude
Despite finishing last in the 51-rider field, Kyaw took the result in stride.
“It was not a wasted experience. I gained valuable knowledge that will help me in future competitions,” he added.
source image – Myanmar Olympic Committee/BAYGOC
🏆 Gold Glory for Malaysia
The gold medal in the show jumping individual event was claimed by 15-year-old Malaysian Princess Sharifah Ariel Budriah Jamalullail, riding her own horse Panamera Z.
| Position | Athlete | Country | Horse | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Princess Sharifah Ariel Budriah Jamalullail | 🇲🇾 Malaysia | Panamera Z | Gold |
| — | Phyo Kyaw Myint Than | 🇲🇲 Myanmar | Mano Kinsky | — |
As is tradition in equestrian sports, men and women compete on equal terms, making this a truly inclusive event.
🇲🇲 Flying the Flag Solo
Kyaw is not done yet. He will also represent Myanmar in the endurance event, which begins on the evening of October 30 and concludes in the early hours of the final day of the Games, October 31.
His performance has already made him a symbol of perseverance for Myanmar’s young sporting community.
🏅 Myanmar’s Sporting Hurdles
Myanmar’s Chef de Mission, U Tun Thant, revealed that the delegation had initially planned to send athletes for esports and golf as well, but unforeseen issues forced a late reduction in the team size.
“We wanted to bring more athletes and had targeted esports and golf, but unfortunately it didn’t quite work out,” Thant said.
| Sport | Planned Participation | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Esports | Yes | Cancelled | Titles trained on not included in AYG program |
| Golf | Yes | Withdrawn | Schedule conflict with international tournament |
| Equestrian | Yes | Competed | Represented by Phyo Kyaw Myint Than |
⚙️ A New Era for Myanmar Sports
The year 2025 has been pivotal for Myanmar’s sports development. With the election of Jeng Phang Naw Taung as President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) and Minister for Sport and Youth Affairs, the nation is seeing renewed momentum.
“Since Mr. Taung became NOC President in February, we have seen new energy sweeping through sports in our country,” said Thant.
Despite the smaller delegation, the message was clear — Myanmar is determined to rebuild and re-emerge on the Asian sporting scene.
“It was Mr. Taung who told us to send a sizable team so that our young athletes gain international exposure. Unfortunately, plans changed, but this experience still means a lot,” Thant added.
🌟 A Brave Effort Worth Celebrating
Even without medals, Phyo Kyaw Myint Than’s presence in Bahrain was a victory in itself. Competing alone, adapting to a new horse, and representing his nation on such a big stage speaks volumes about his dedication and resilience.
“It’s a good experience for him coming here. We’re trying hard to elevate sports in our country, and our athletes need all the exposure they can get,” said Thant proudly.
