Myanmar’s national esports team returned to Yangon on Monday morning following their historic gold medal victory in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) at the XX Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The athletes were greeted at Yangon International Airport by Yangon Region Social Affairs Minister U Bo Htay, Director-General of the Department of Sports and Physical Education U Nyan Zaw Oo, government officials, students, and members of the public.
The team, known as National Team Zanaka, represented Myanmar in the MLBB event at the Games. The delegation included Myanmar Electronic Sports Federation President Dr Kaung Myat San, coach Ko Min Tun Aung, and players Ko Shine Lin, Ko Hein Htet Oo, Ko Kyaw Thura, Ko Han Htoo Swe, and Ko Myo Myint Maung. Throughout the competition, the team remained unbeaten and secured the gold medal by sweeping Indonesia 4-0 in the final match.
Dr Kaung Myat San described the victory as a milestone for Myanmar sports, highlighting that it showcased the country’s capability to compete at an elite level in Asia. He extended his appreciation to the President, relevant government ministries, the Yangon Region Government, the esports federation’s patrons, and partner organizations for their support. He also noted that the team’s success had strengthened their resolve to aim for a world championship title.
Myanmar’s overall participation at the XX Asian Games extended beyond esports, with the country fielding athletes in Teqball, women’s football, gymnastics, and Sepak Takraw. The nation secured a total of four medals: two gold, one silver, and one bronze. The MLBB gold medal marked Myanmar’s first-ever gold in esports at the Asian Games and occurred in the debut year that MLBB was officially recognized as a medal event.
The team’s achievement has been widely celebrated as a breakthrough moment for Myanmar’s presence in international esports competition. This gold medal not only represents a historic first for Myanmar in Asian Games esports but also signals growing regional recognition of competitive gaming as a mainstream sporting discipline.
