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Thursday, September 29, 2005
Seag a 3-way fight
By Frank C. Calapre
Sun.Star Correspondent
MANILA – A top official of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Thailand yesterday predicted a three-cornered fight among host Philippines, 2001 champion Thailand and defending overall titlist Vietnam for the overall crown of the 23rd Southeast Asian Games (Seag) on Nov. 27 to Dec. 5.
Maj. Gen. Charouck Arirachakaran, secretary-general of the Thailand NOC, said Thailand, which finished second behind Vietnam in 2003, targets 120 golds in the 11-nation meet, which the Philippines will host.
“This is based on the given targeted medals of each sports association that we have already talked to. Our sports association heads are the ones who give the figure,” he said.
Close fight
Thailand remains a major sports power in Southeast Asian with its comprehensive sports program.
“Thailand is sending a strong delegation and I’m confident it’s going to be a close fight among host Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand,” said Arirachakaran in a press conference Tuesday night at the Century Sea Food Restaurant.
Earlier, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) said it is targeting a high of 171 gold medals and a low of 109, which will be just enough to win the overall title for the country for the first time in four decades.
Big delegation
Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (PhilSoc) technical committee chairman Harry Angping said they based their prediction on the assessment of the 39 national sports associations that will see action in the competition.
Arirachakaran said Thailand, which won the overall the last time in 2001, will send a big delegation composed of 700 athletes and 200 officials in its bid to regain the overall title.
“Indonesia is no longer that strong. After they won the overall title in 1997, they have not performed well except in some sports,” said Arirachakaran, who is also the president of the Thailand Sepak Takraw Association.
Arirachakaran said they will send their Olympic gold medalists in boxing and weightlifting. He also said Thailand has strong contingents in athletics, swimming and shooting.
“Host Philippines has the advantage because of your familiarity of the venues. That is a big factor for winning. But I’ve seen also the Vietnam team, and they are really a strong contender for the crown,” he said.
The Thais will also draw inspiration from the participation of Princess Shiriwanwale Narirat in Women’s Singles badminton.
Security
The 18-year-old Princess Narirat, one of the two daughters of crown Prince Maha Watchera Loongkon, finished fourth in a Vietnam tournament two months ago.
“She is a good player and she will be our inspiration. She can add more strength to our delegation,” Arirachakaran said.
Narirat will arrive in Manila without additional security personnel from the Thailand police, just the usual security given by the PhilSoc to all VIPs and foreign dignitaries, Arirachakaran said.
(September 29, 2005 issue)
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