Be an example, says Surayud

[ASIAN GAMES] Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont told Thai athletes to behave themselves like true ambassadors of the sport and country when they contest in the 15th Asian Games in Qatar next month.

A group of Asian Games-bound athletes, led by General Yutthasak Sasiprapha, president of the Olympic Committee of Thailand, paid a visit to the premier at Government House yesterday.

Thailand are fielding 375 athletes in 33 sports where 424 gold medals are on offer in the sporting extravaganza that will be held in Doha from December 1-15.

Surayud handed over souvenirs to the representatives of 33 sport associations while Thana Chaiprasith, the head of Thai athletes, presented the national team outfits to the prime minister.

The premier told the contestants to abide by the rules and uphold the values of sportsmanship. He also singled out Thailand football team that won the Agri Bank Cup in Vietnam last month as an example of good behaviour.

"All athletes should be well aware of the important duty when they represent Thailand in the Asian Games. Not only they have to fight for the pride of our country, but also have to conduct themselves like the country's sporting ambassadors."

"Our national football team underlined that quality in the Agri Bank Cup in Vietnam last month where I had an opportunity to meet the players during my official visit there."

"In our last match against the hosts, we were 2-0 down but still managed to salvage a draw which was good enough to earn us a trophy. This showed the manner of good sportsmen who comply with the rules and regulations."

"I'm hopeful that in the Doha Asian Games our athletes will come back with victories and make friends from other countries."

The Nation