ASEAN Para Games kingpins Thailand have picked hosts Malaysia to win the overall title this time while keep their keeping their target a top secret.The Thai contingent made up of 291 athletes and 143 officials flew into Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday for the 9th Asean Para Games to be held in the Malaysian capital city from Sept 17-23.
Thai Chef de Mission Pitak Polkhan played down his country’s chances of retaining the title as the Asean Para Games kingpins.
The Thais bagged their sixth overall title at the last Games in Singapore in 2015 with a tally of 95 gold, 76 silver and 79 bronze medals.
After Malaysia’s runaway success in the 29th edition of the Sea Games where Malaysia emerged overall champions with 145 golds – surpassing their initial target of 111 – the Thais are rather wary of the hosts.
The 70-year-old Pitak could only say “Malaysia will emerge as overall champions” who are well prepared to take off from where the hosts left in the Sea Games.
Malaysia has the biggest contingent with 331 athletes and 169 officials for the 9th Asean Para Games.
“Financial constraints curtailed our preparations. Our preparations began only in March because of the tight budget,” said Polkhan.
Polkhan’s deputy Narumon Subsri added:
“We had to keep the Thai athletes within our budget for the Para Games. Still, we had four months of training before coming here and do our best.
“This year, we have also come with a large group of new talent which makes up 30 per cent of the Thai contingent.
“Our main aim is to develop the grassroots and the Asean Para Games is the perfect for avenue to expose them,” said Narumon, lamenting that some of the sports that the Thais are good in, like shooting, have been left out.
“So it will be a challenge for us to defend our (overall) title but we’re happy to participate and will try our best to repeat the feat.” – BY ALVIN OH
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