Hosted at the 4,000-seat indoor gymnasium at Saphan Hin, the one-day event was organised by The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), the Sport Association of Phuket and Dragon Gym Phuket Taekwondo School.
Competition was divided into three categories of Kyorugi (sparring), Poomsae (practice), and Speed Kick, with more than 1,000 athletes representing 14 southern provinces of Thailand competing in junior age specific categories.
The opening ceremony was overseen by Phuket Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam, who was joned by: Thammawat Wongcharoenyos, President of the Sport Association of Phuket and SAT Committee Member; Sumet Akrapong, SAT Phuket office Director; Pibulsak Kittithorakun, Deputy Mayor of Phuket City Municipality; along with selected guests, media representatives and members of the public.
The atmosphere at the opening of the event was elevated to that of an excited frenzy by one additional extra special guest – Chatchai Che, otherwise known as “Coach Che”, the head coach of the Thai national taekwondo team and the man who made history by leading several Thai athletes to Olympic medal glory, including taekwondo star and national treasure Panipak Wongpattanakit. The reaction to Coach Che was electric, with athletes and spectators alike cheering him enthusiastically.
In his opening remarks Mr Sumet thanked thanked the SAT, specifically the SAT Phuket office, the Sport Association of Phuket and Dragon Gym Phuket Taekwondo School for their collaborative efforts in making the event happen.
He further explained that the event had three main objectives: promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for local residents; encouraging children and youngsters to exercise and use their free time productively; and to drive excellence and develop potential athletes of the future from the 14 provinces by providing a platform for them to showcase their abilities and hone their skills.
Beyond the sporting aspect, the tournament was also a key mechanism for helping drive the local economy and tourism of Phuket, said Mr Sumet. It also helps promote Phuket as a ideal venue for hosting major sporting competitions, able to welcome and manage large crowds of athletes, coaches, parents and supporters, something which is a key driver in the government’s sports tourism policy, Mr Sumet concluded.