[UNIVERSIADE] The 24th World University Games will be an event that will be remembered for a long time when it is held from August 8 to 18 in Bangkok, Sumet Yamnoon said. Published on July 27, 2007
Dispelling security concerns, Sumet, the chief organiser of the Universiade, said the unstable political situation in the country would not affect the Games.
“Everything is going according to our plan. More than 7,000 athletes from over 80 countries have signed up for the meet,” said Sumet, who is also a deputy secretary-general in the Higher Education Department.
Tighter security measures will be adopted during the Games, he said. The organising committee will assure the ambassadors of participating countries about security by inviting them to attend a drill on the security measures, which will be held at Thammasat University Rangsit Campus on July 30, Sumet said.
Thirty-two venues have been prepared for training purposes and another 34 sport arenas readied for competition.
Pornchai Matangkasombat, president of the University Sports Board of Thailand (USBT), is confident that Thailand will win 10 gold medals despite the fact that many top athletes have decided to bypass the event.
“We will get two gold medals from badminton. We will get more golds than we got in Izmir in taekwondo and athletics. Two more gold medals will come from tennis as we have twins Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana and also Danai Udomchoke this time,” he said.
The organisers are planning opening and closing ceremonies that highlight Thai culture and sports as mediums that unite all people. The concept – “All Become One” – which means all Thai people are living peacefully under His Majesty the King will be the main feature on the opening day when a total of seven performances are planned.
Somporn Suphop
The Nation