Can a Borrowed Horse Carry a Country’s Hopes? Myanmar Finds Out
Myanmar’s hopes in equestrian show jumping rested on a single rider, but Sunday’s event at the 3rd Asian Youth Games proved a tough challenge for Phyo Kyaw Myint Than.
The lone athlete representing Myanmar took part in the Jumping Individual event, riding a borrowed stallion, Mano Kinsky. Despite thorough preparation, Kyaw struggled to form the vital connection with his unfamiliar horse, ultimately finishing last in the 51-strong field.
“Preparation was extensive before coming to Bahrain, but I had limited time to bond with the horse here. The rider-horse relationship is everything in show jumping,” Kyaw reflected after the event. “Still, this experience was invaluable, and I’ve learned a lot.”
The gold medal went to 15-year-old Malaysian Princess Sharifah Ariel Budriah Jamalullail, who rode her own horse, Panamera Z, to victory. In equestrian sports, male and female athletes compete on equal terms, making the achievement even more impressive.
Kyaw is set to represent Myanmar once more in the endurance event, which begins this evening and concludes in the early hours of October 31, the final day of the games.
Myanmar’s delegation had initially hoped to send athletes in esports and golf as well. However, logistical challenges prevented their participation. Esports titles the team trained on were not included in the games, while selected golfers had to skip Bahrain to compete in an international tournament that offered world ranking points.
“Because of these setbacks, our team ended up smaller than planned,” said Myanmar Chef de Mission U Tun Thant. “It fell to Kyaw to carry our flag, but this is still a valuable experience for him.”
The Myanmar sports scene has seen renewed energy this year under the leadership of newly elected National Olympic Committee President Jeng Phang Naw Taung, who also serves as the country’s Minister for Sport and Youth Affairs. Thant emphasized that Mr. Taung’s vision is driving a fresh momentum in nurturing young athletes.
“This is an important step for our athletes. Exposure to international competition is key to raising sports standards in Myanmar,” Thant said.
While the results may not have been ideal, Kyaw’s participation symbolizes Myanmar’s determination to grow on the Asian sporting stage, one courageous step at a time.
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