Football Tournament Commemorating the 48th Birthday of the Arakan Army Commander-in-Chief Successfully Concluded in Maungdaw District

News ၊ November 7, 2026

The football tournament held in Maungdaw District, Arakan State, to commemorate the 48th birthday of Arakan Army Commander-in-Chief Major General Twan Mrat Naing, led by the District Party Committee, successfully concluded today after running for 56 days from September 12 to November 7.

The tournament was organized to honor and recognize the birthday of Arakan Army Commander-in-Chief Major General Twan Mrat Naing, as well as to promote sportsmanship among Arakanese youth, foster friendship, unity, and social harmony among diverse ethnic communities, reduce drug use among youth, and nurture healthy and skilled football players.

A total of 32 football teams participated in the tournament, including teams from various wards and tracts across Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships, alongside military and civilian departmental teams from the ULA/AA.

Starting on September 12, the matches were held weekly on Saturdays and Sundays, leading up to the birthday of Arakan Army Commander-in-Chief Major General Twan Mrat Naing on November 7. Throughout the tournament, teams competed intensely in every match.

In the final match of the Commander-in-Chief Cup, Team A2-FC played against the Maung Thoo Za team, with Team A2-FC emerging victorious with a 6–2 win.

During the post-match award ceremony, Team A2-FC secured first place, Team Maung Thoo Za took second place, and Team BTD Star won third place. The first-place trophy was sculpted from 9 viss (approx. 14.7 kg) of bronze.

The award presentation ceremony for the Arakan Army Commander-in-Chief Cup was held on November 7, where officials from the Maungdaw District Party Committee attended and presented awards to the winning teams and outstanding individual players.

Thousands of local residents, including Rakhine, Muslim, and Hindu communities from Maungdaw, Buthidaung, and Rathedaung townships, attended the matches to cheer on the teams.

Organizing such sports events for youth not only boosts their athletic spirit and physical fitness, but also serves as a vital opportunity to foster mutual understanding, friendship, and social harmony among different ethnic groups.

Source@Nafwaves