Thai squad conquers again at Asean Para Games
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Hosts Indonesia mounted a big challenge to Thai athletes on the penultimate day of the 6th Asean Para Games in Solo, but the visitors kept their favourites status intact by remaining atop the medal table.
After capturing pole position on the opening day of the biennial sports festival for the disabled on December 15, Thailand were yesterday a whisker away from making it five overall titles in a row.
At press time, Thailand were leading the medal charge on 115 golds, with Indonesia trailing nine golds behind.
With only a few events still to be contested before the closing ceremony at the Manahan Main Stadium this evening, Thailand are assured of reigning supreme in the 6th edition.
Hosts Malaysia won the inaugural Asean Para Games in 2001, but since then Thailand have stamped their authority, claiming supremacy four times in a row – Hanoi 2003, Manila 2005, Nakhon Ratchasima 2008 and Kuala Lumpur 2009.
Though their preparations were disrupted by the floods, Thai athletes were set a stiff target of 140 gold medals.
The failure to reach that target won’t dampen celebrations, after impressive performances in Solo enhanced Thailand’s aura of invincibility.
Yesterday, Indonesia grabbed 30 gold medals, mainly in swimming and chess.
At press time, their swimmers had captured 11 golds, seven in athletics and four in badminton. Thailand claimed nine golds in the pool event, seven in athletics and four in badminton.
Only the wheelchair tennis competition saw Thai players hog the limelight, winning three gold and leaving just one to the host nation.
After five days in Solo, Thailand have bagged the lion’s share of 47 gold medals in athletics, with Indonesia winning 34. However, the hosts hit back in the pool, winning 35 swimming golds to Thailand’s 33.
Indonesia also dominated the chessboard, raking in a massive 11 golds, while the table tennis and badminton tournaments fetched them 15 and seven gold medals respectively.
