Thai windsurfers are aiming to close out 2013 in winning fashion with bids in two major Asian competitions in Hong Kong and Myanmar.
Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, Vice Adm. Srayuth Daengthet, vice president of the Thailand Windsurf Association, and windsurfing team manager Pattana Bunsawat announced at the end of last month the Thai team’s participation in the Nov. 26-Dec. 2 Asian Windsurfing Championships at Hong Kong’s Stanley Beach, and the Dec. 11-21 Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar.
Seven windsurfers were due to compete in the Asian championships this past week: Ek Bunsawat in RS:X men’s, Phatradanai Jininth in RS:X youth, Siriporn Kaewduangngam and Sarocha Pumprai in RS:X women’s, Pornanat Phayungkasem in IMCO men’s, Suthee Thong-onn in Techno 293 boys and Juthaporn Sunthonhao in Techno 293 girls.
The SEA Games will be held throughout Myanmar, with the windsurfing events staged at Ngwe Saung Beach. Thailand will send three athletes: Thanathip Suebyubol in RS:One boys. Duangkamol Potngern in RS:One girls and Nattapong Potnopparat in RS:One Open.
Mayor Itthiphol, who also serves as the Windsurfing Association’s president, said preparations had been ongoing all year and everyone was aiming to return to Thailand with gold medals.
“But even if they don’t get gold medals, they will still create a good reputation for the country,” he said.
