At the last SEA Games in Korat in 2007, Thailand swept six of the seven gold medals at stake in women’s boxing. And this time round at the Vientiane Games, the Thais are confident that they can make a clean sweep of the four gold medals at stake when the boxing event opens today.
There are only four categories being contested in Laos due to the quota imposed by the hosts. All the four women boxers – Dueannapha Ngamlam (pinweight), Sopida Satumram (light flyweight), Tassamalee Thongrin (bantamweight) and Peamwilai Laopeam (featherweight) – won their respective categories in Korat.
However this time around, Dueannapha will compete in the light flyweight while Sopida will vie for the gold in the flyweight. Tassamalee and Peamwilai will maintain their bantamweight and featherweight categories respectively.
The Thais have come well prepared for Games in Laos where they have been in training all year round.
According to Suban, only the Philippines and to a lesser extent Vietnam can pose a threat to Thais. “Still I am confident that all the four gold medals are Thailand’s for the taking.
I have faith in all my boxers. They are fully focused and prepared for the competition,” said Suban. “Why is boxing so popular in Thailand?” Suban was quick to reply that Muay Thai (kick boxing), has a bearing on the popularity of boxing in Thailand.
“Muay is popular with both the men and women. And there are numerous year round competitions which are keenly contested. Everyone wants to be the top in kick boxing as it is the passport to get into the Thai amateur boxing team and compete in the world (amateur) championships,” said Suban.
Source: Lao SEA Games 2009
By: WSL MSC Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia) – ICT Committee
December 11, 2009
