Chennai: The final day of the 23rd Asian Senior Athletics Championships in Chennai, India, concluded with remarkable achievements, especially for the Thai athletes who added seven more gold medals to their tally. Among the notable moments was the presence of Mr. Racha Areeprakan, Consul General in Chennai, who visited the event to support the athletes.
According to Thai News Agency, the highlight of the day was the inspiring performance by 105-year-old Tasawang Chanpram. Competing in his fourth event, the javelin throw, Tasawang, who had already secured gold in the 100-meter dash, discus, and shot put, achieved another gold medal. Despite being the sole competitor in the men’s 100 and over age category, Tasawang’s participation aimed at personal improvement and advocating for regular exercise. He successfully surpassed his previous records, marking a significant personal accomplishment.
On the same day, the Thai women’s team in the 75-79 age group, led by Chanthra Phimsakul from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, along with teammates Usanee Kampakula, Chaliaosri Chimwong, and Somsri Musikapong, also clinched a gold medal in the 4×100-meter relay race.
Other Thai athletes delivered impressive performances across various age categories. In the men’s 40-45 age group, Thailand won gold with a time of 44.36 seconds, followed by India and Iran. In the 45-49 age category, India secured gold, with Thailand taking bronze. The 55-59 age group saw India again taking gold, while Thailand earned silver. The Thai team in the 70-74 male category claimed gold, with a time of 59.13 seconds.
In the women’s events, the 70-74 age group saw India winning gold, while Thailand and Sri Lanka took silver and bronze, respectively. The 74-79 age group had Thailand winning gold with a time of 1.23.16 minutes. The 60-64 age group saw India taking gold, and Thailand winning silver. Thailand also dominated the 50-54 female category with a gold medal finish. In the 65-69 female category, Thailand secured gold again, with Sri Lanka and India following.
In the javelin throw, Samruay Sunthonwiphat claimed gold in the 85-89 male category, marking another success for the Thai team.