THE first batch of eFootball mobile and console players from Myanmar’s national Esports team, Team Zanaka, departed Yangon International Airport for Japan yesterday afternoon to compete at the XX Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The XX Asian Games 2026 will be held from 19 September to 4 October at venues across Aichi-Nagoya. Team Zanaka, representing the Myanmar Esports Federation (MESF), will make its first appearance in the Esports competition at the Asian Games.
Team Zanaka advanced to the top 12 in Asia after overcoming leading teams in the regional qualifiers. The Myanmar team will compete against leading Asian teams, including hosts Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and Iran.
MESF President Dr Kaung Myat San said the national Esports team had systematically prepared for all five Esports disciplines in which it will compete at the Asian Games. He described Myanmar’s qualification in all five disciplines as a historic achievement for the country’s Esports sector and expressed confidence that the team could bring home medals with the support of the public.
A total of 21 managers, coaches and athletes from the Myanmar Esports team will travel to the Asian Games. The two eFootball mobile and console athletes departed as the first batch.
KBZPay Deputy Managing Director Daw Ei Thanda Hlaing said KBZPay had supported the development of Esports in Myanmar in cooperation with MESF for many years. She said KBZPay had provided more than K7.7 billion in support since 2018 for youth development, digital technology and the long-term development of Myanmar’s Esports sector.
KBZPay, U9, Lipovitan-D and SINODA are supporting MESF as partners for its Asian Games campaign. U9 will provide network services for athletes and fans, while SINODA will support the physical and mental well-being of Esports players. Lipovitan-D will serve as Team Zanaka’s Official Partner and provide continued support.
Myanmar has participated in the Asian Games since 1951 and has won medals in various sports throughout its history. At the XX Asian Games, Esports will feature five disciplines with 33 medal events.
The eFootball mobile and console players were seen off at Yangon International Airport by MESF President Dr Kaung Myat San, Vice-President U Kyaw Htet Lin, federation officials, Esports enthusiasts and fans.
The Honour of Kings team will depart for Japan on 24 September, followed by the PUBG Mobile team on 25 September and the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang team on 26 September.
Thitsa (MNA)/KZL
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