Thai basketball gets boost from Chang

Chang Thailand Slammers have scored a series of stunning successes in recent times, including a win over a club from the Philippines in the 2011 Asean Basketball League. Meanwhile the Thailand women’s team claimed the SEA Games gold medal for the first time in 16 years, a remarkable achievement that spurred ThaiBev to step in and support the basketball body for the first time.
The BSAT will spend Bt4.2 million to send the Chang Thailand Slammers to the 2012 Asean League while Bt1.3 million be used for other basketballrelated activities.
BSAT president Surasak Chinawongwatana said the financial support and the recent achievements of Thai basketball players would create greater public awareness of the sport in the Kingdom. He said players would be sent abroad to gain more international experience.
“We will send the women’s national team to compete in Asia and Europe, and young players to compete in the international arena. We will also organise more events upcountry to find talented players. I hope that in two year’s time we will be SEA Games champions again,” Surasak said.
 “We won the ABL [Asean Basketball League] by beating the Philippines away, in February,” said Chang Thailand Slammers president Nipon Chavalitmontien. “The victory caused quite a stir. We have already found new players for the team for next year. I can’t guarantee we will defend the title, but we will try our best.”