Bangkok--10 Aug--Sports Authority of Thailand
Despite some initial hiccups, the 1st and last Asian Martial Arts Games has been hailed a success with 40 countries participating and a total of 1,500 athletes and officials. About 800 members of Thai and international media have also joined the Games.
Maj Gen Charouck Arirachakaran, Vice President and Secretary General of the National Olympic Council of Thailand (NCOT), said “Fortunately we have daily live coverage from the Games as it has been difficult to attract many Thai spectators to join the event. Even though in most cases the sports are known, it is difficult for most to understand the rules as decisions are made by the rules and by the eyes of the referees.”
“Being unique in the sports are not all mainstreams, we attracted both European and Asian referees, who are specialists in their field, but it has to be remembered that the rules are not completely understood by many and this causes confusion,” Major General Charouck added.
“We also have to acknowledge that, due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to delay the event on two occasions and that brings with it, its own issues. Fortunately our team has experience with major sporting events, so we have been able to succeed.
When asked about delays with transportation on the first day and also about the problem relating to halal food, Major General Charouck said that at most major sporting events, there are initial problems and misunderstandings on both sides “All was in place from the organisers, but perhaps communication could have been better. Whilst we plan additional food for athletes and those for whom we are responsible there are times when they eat much more. Thailand generally caters well for halal food but up-county it is not as well known so we had to adjust accordingly.
“It is not easy to run a first and unique event,” Major General Charouck said.
He also enlightened that jujitsu received great popularity in Thailand 30 years ago.
“Actually, Jujitsu is not new to our country at all. The sport was really popular in Thailand 30 years ago. However, judo, which came after the sport, received more support and promotion from several sides.
“As the host country we had no kurash or jujitsu competitors which are a must for the host, so thanks to government support we were able to bring in trainers from overseas. For Jujitsu we brought in a trainer from Japan and overall have done quite well considering these are relatively new sports for Thai athletes.
Maj Gen Charouck added that Thailand had soared beyond the initial expectation of winning 10 golds. And Thai athletes had won 18 golds so far.
“As we continue to promote Thailand as a tourist haven and a “must see” destination the contribution to the Thai economy from this number of people associated with the Games is enormous as well as the “spin off” benefit in telling others internationally of the hospitality offered by Thai people,” he added.
“Known as the 1st and the last Martial Arts Games, the event will be part of the Indoor Games, which in the future will be held every four years, the next being in 2013,” he said.
“The 1st Asian Martial Arts Games will be mingled with the Asian Indoor Games, which will be hosted by Qatar in the next four years. The big tournament will be present in each year calendar of Thai athletes as a result. Our young generation will have more chances to sharpen their skills in the international tournaments. Besides, this might bring back the sporting spirits of Thai athletes, which we haven’t seen for long time,” he said.
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