Lots-drawing event held for Myanmar teams in Asian Games

lots-Drawing ceremony for men’s and women’s Myanmar football teams was held in China on 27 July ahead of the 19th Asian Games.
The men’s football tourney will convene from 19 September to 7 October, with 23 teams divided into six groups. The 12 first- and second-placed teams and the best four third-placed teams from each group totalling 16 will qualify for the next round.
Myanmar is placed in Group A with China, Bangladesh and India while ASEAN powerhouse Viet Nam is falling in Group B with Saudi Arabia, Iran and Mongolia.
Group C sees Uzbekistan, Syria, Hong Kong and Afghanistan and Group E comprises Thailand, South Korea, Bahrain and Kuwait.
North Korea, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan and Chinese Taipei will compete in Group F.
Only 10 teams have won the gold medal in men’s football events at the Asian Games, with South Korea leading the way with five golds. Team Iran has won the gold medal four times, and India, Myanmar and China Taipei have won the gold medal twice each.
Japan, North Korea, Iraq, Qatar and Uzbekistan have won the championship once each.
The Myanmar team is the only Southeast Asian team to ever win a gold medal in the Asian Games.
Besides, a total of 17 teams will compete in the women’s football tournament, which will be held from 25 September to 6 October. According to the fixtures, Myanmar is placed in Group E with South Korea, Hong Kong and the Philippines.
Host China is in Group A with Uzbekistan and Mongolia and Thailand is falling in Group C with Chinese Taipei and India.
Group C sees North Korea, Singapore and Cambodia while Viet Nam is in Group D with Japan and Nepal. — Shine Htet Zaw/KZL