<P> The Welsh Anthem "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" was the first anthem to be sung at an international sporting event . The anthem was sung in a Rugby game against New Zealand in Llanelli . This was done to counter the famous New Zealand haka . </P> <P> National anthems are used in a wide array of contexts . Certain etiquette may be involved in the playing of a country's anthem . These usually involve military honours, standing up / rising, removing headwear etc . In diplomatic situations the rules may be very formal . There may also be royal anthems, presidential anthems, state anthems etc. for special occasions . </P> <P> They are played on national holidays and festivals, and have also come to be closely connected with sporting events . Wales was the first country to adopt this, during a rugby game against New Zealand in 1905 . Since then during sporting competitions, such as the Olympic Games, the national anthem of the gold medal winner is played at each medal ceremony; also played before games in many sports leagues, since being adopted in baseball during World War II . When teams from two different nations play each other, the anthems of both nations are played, the host nation's anthem being played last . </P> <P> In some countries, the national anthem is played to students each day at the start of school as an exercise in patriotism . In other countries the anthem may be played in a theatre before a play or in a cinema before a movie . Many radio and television stations have adopted this and play the national anthem when they sign on in the morning and again when they sign off at night . For instance, the national anthem of the People's Republic of China is played before the broadcast of evening news on Hong Kong's local television stations including TVB Jade and ATV Home . In Colombia, it is a law to play the National Anthem at 6: 00 and 18: 00 on every public radio and television station, while in Thailand, Phleng Chat is played at 08: 00 and 18: 00 nationwide (the Royal Anthem is used for sign - ons and closedowns instead). </P>

Where did the melody for the national anthem come from