10,000 police deployed at Myanmar National League opening

by Myo Thein

Monday, 18 May 2009 11:05

Rangoon (Mizzima) - The Burmese military junta authorities deployed at least 10,000 police personnel along with armed soldiers and pro-junta civilians for the inaugural ceremony of the National League Cup 2009 soccer tournament. Rangoon’s Thuwahnah stadium was packed with soccer fans as the League had its opening on May 16 with the first leg between Rangoon United and Zeya Shwe Myea United. The opening ceremony was attended by junta’s Prime Minister General Thein Sein along with several other officials including the Rangoon division commander. Security is beefed up inside the stadium and the roads in front of it were also blocked since the afternoon. While authorities relaxed the sale of mineral water bottles, the crowd was strangely seen behaving well with not much  throwing of water bottles.   The opening match was largely a one-sided game, with Rangoon United scoring four goals against Zeya Shwe Myea, which failed to score any goals.   < Prev   Next >