Sompol says Thai women can win badminton gold

The world No 6 Ratchanok will represent Thailand only in the team event as she is committed to play for Qingdao Club in the Chinese League, which coincides with the regional sport extravaganza. With Ratchanok’s unavailability, BAT believes world No 18 Busanan Ongbumrungpan, No 19 Porntip Buranaprasertsuk and No 21 Nichaon Jindapong have the best shot to win a gold medal at the Games.

“We have a strong women’s team that can beat any team in this region. It’s a pity that Ratchanok can be with us only in the team event as she has to fly to China right after that,” said national coach Sompol Kukasemkij.

In the previous Games in Myanmar two years ago, the Thai team returned home with one gold from an unexpected quarter –Tanongak Saensomboonsuk who won the men’s singles. Thailand also won two silvers from Busanan in the women’s singles and Maneepong Jongjit and Supsiree Taerattanachai in the mixed doubles.

With former world No 1 Lee Chong Wei likely to play for Malaysia, the chances of Tanongsak retaining the gold medal is very dim. But the national coach hoped that his singles players in both men’s and women’s categories may spring a surprise or two.

“I’ve seen Lee’s name in the list but there’s no guarantee whether he will compete of not. If he really takes part in the Games, Tanongak has no choice but to get ready. But he has nothing to lose. As for the women’s singles, we have Busanan and Nichaon who can cause some damage on any given day. Who knows they may go all the way and can do the unexpected, “ Sompol said.

However the Thai team has already lost two key players through injuries. Doubles specialist Maneepong has not fully recovered from an injury to his right shoulder while mixed doubles expert Saralee Thungthongkam is sidelined with a sprained ankle.