Bangkok: The Prime Minister has inaugurated the ‘Domestic Power 2024-2025 Sports Promotion Project,’ a significant initiative aimed at fostering the development of athletes within a comprehensive framework. This project, designed to bolster youth career progression and contribute to the formation of a sustainable national team, was praised for its role in inspiring youth and unifying the nation during competitions.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, led the launch ceremony which focuses on seven pilot sports: football, futsal, volleyball, golf, badminton, taekwondo, e-sports, and Thai boxing. The event was notable for the presence of key figures such as Mr. Surawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports; Ms. Nattareeya Thaweewong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism; and renowned athletes including Nong Tennis, a former Thai national taekwondo athlete, and Buakaw, a prominent Thai boxer, among others.
During the event, the Prime Minister engaged with various sports booths and humorously declined an invitation to demonstrate his badminton skills, citing his lack of proficiency. Additionally, Nong Tennis extended a personal invitation to the Prime Minister for her upcoming wedding.
In his address to the athletes and sports association executives, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of discipline in training and the role of athletes as role models for the youth. He highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting sports alongside education, believing that proficiency in sports opens up opportunities for young people. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of Thai youth, asserting that they are competitive on a global scale and serve as a unifying force for the nation during international competitions.
The Prime Minister articulated the project’s goal of enhancing Thai athletes’ capabilities through technological support and skill development. He acknowledged the contributions of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and the National Sports Development Fund, along with private sector partners, coaches, and athletes, for their efforts in elevating Thai sports on the global stage. He called for continued collaboration between the government and private sectors to nurture future talent and expressed hope for the project’s success in achieving its objectives.