Laos is a landlocked country in the Southeast Asian region. As with most of the region, Laos loves sports, and football is by far the most popular in the country. The national football team was established in 1951, but they have yet to receive any invitation from any of the major international football competitions.

Muay Lao is a traditional Lao martial art that has resemblance to Thailand's Muay Thai, Malaysia's Tomoi, Burmese Lethwei, and Cambodian Pradal Serey. This kickboxing style represents an important part of Lao cultural heritage and remains popular among practitioners seeking to preserve traditional combat sports.

Sports play a crucial role in the society of Laos, and they are one of the founding countries of the Southeast Asian Games in 1959. They have never competed in the Winter Olympics but have participated in the Summer Olympic Games since 1980, though they are yet to grab their first medal.

Below are details of sports, sporting events and sports people related to Laos. Is there something missing? If you know of something that should be listed here, please let us know.

National Sport of Laos

Sepak Takraw is the official national sport of Laos. It is a mixture of volleyball and football - volleyball because there is a net between the two competing teams that they have to volley the ball over, and football because the players are not allowed to use their hands. They make contact with the ball using their feet, chest, head and knees, making it a highly acrobatic and skilled sport.

"Laos represents a fascinating intersection of Southeast Asian sporting traditions. Sepak Takraw showcases the region's unique ball sports heritage, while Muay Lao preserves ancient martial arts techniques that have been passed down through generations of Lao fighters."
— Robert J. Wood, PhD, Founder of Topend Sports

Laos Sporting Success

  • Laos won its first gold medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games
  • Founding member of the Southeast Asian Games since 1959
  • Regular participation in the Summer Olympics since 1980

SEA Games Milestone

Laos was a founding member of the Southeast Asian Games in 1959 and achieved their first gold medal at the 2025 edition, marking a historic moment for the nation's sporting development.

Learn About SEA Games →
"The 2025 Southeast Asian Games gold medal marks a turning point for Lao athletics. As a founding member of the SEA Games since 1959, this achievement represents decades of dedication to developing competitive sports programs despite limited resources."
— Robert Wood, founder of Topend Sports

Great Athletes from Laos

  • Soukphaxay Sithisane – Weightlifting
  • Silina Pha Aphay – Athletics

Laos at Major Events

Laos Olympic History

Explore Laos's complete Summer Olympics participation record since 1980, including their journey toward earning their first Olympic medal.

View Olympic History →

Annual Sporting Events Held in Laos

  • The Lao New Year Festival – A celebration that takes place in April, celebrated with traditional sports like boat racing, wrestling, and archery.
  • The Elephant Festival – This festival takes place at the end of February in Sayaboury.
  • The Boat Racing Festival – An annual boat racing event that takes place every October in Laos.

Sporting Facilities in Laos

  • Laos National Stadium – The main venue for international football matches and major sporting events
"Laos's sporting culture beautifully integrates athletic competition with cultural celebration. Events like the Boat Racing Festival and Lao New Year sports demonstrate how traditional activities continue to unite communities and preserve national heritage."
— According to sports science expert Robert Wood