Prospecting for gold

Thailand is targeting 120 gold medals to maintain its position as sporting champion of Southeast Asia as the biennial SEA Games officially starts today in Kuala Lumpur.

A total of 1,128 Thais, 452 male and 367 female athletes plus 399 officials, will take part in the 29th SEA games, which comprises 38 disciplines and offers 404 gold medals. Defending champion and hosts Malaysia are the strong contenders for the overall title and whoever can win 120-125 gold medals is likely to finish top of the medals table.

Despite the exclusion of several Thai favourite events, including women’s weightlifting and many boxing classes, Sports Authority of Thailand governor Sakon Wannapong still remained positive that Thailand can defend its title as top nation. The Sports Writers and Photographers Association of Thailand, however, thinkos it will be a tall order and has predicted that fewer golds, about 109, will be achieved.

Athletics remains the main hope for the Kingdom and should yield more than 10 golds. Sepak Takraw and boxing are the next best gold medal prospects for Thailand and each should yield five golds.

Meanwhile Princess Sirivannavari is hoping Thai athletes can achieve beyond their standard as Her Royal Highness granted an interview with the media yesterday. The princess is already in the Malaysian capital to prepare for dressage competition which starts on Tuesday.

“I hope all athletes represent the country at their best and can achieve beyond what they are capable of during the practice. Win or lose is a matter of the lesson to be learned. Life still goes on,” the princess said. She also suggested Thai people not to exert pressure on national representatives. “I hope enjoy watching SEA Games but never put the pressure on the athletes as they all have stress already.” The princess will ride her favourite horse Prince Charming for the last time in a competition before its retirement.

“This will be my fourth time representing Thailand. I’m getting more mature but I’m still very healthy,” said the princess who has been training hard in Europe and competing at least twice a month. “It’s always my honour every time I represent Thailand. I will compete with Prince Charming, which I used to compete in the Asian Games in South Korea three years ago. It could be his final tournament as he should retire soon.”