Chonburi: Thai Army Rifles narrowly edged out the Philippine team to clinch five championships at the Southeast Asian Shooting Association (SEASA) competition, an event organized by the Thailand Practical Shooting Association and hosted in Chonburi. The association is confident that the SEA Games will achieve the planned four gold medals.

According to Thai News Agency, the 47th SEASA international shooting competition saw practical shooting included for the second time, following its debut in the Philippines last year. This year’s event, held at the Eastern National Sports Training Center from November 6-9, 2015, featured 402 athletes from 12 countries, including top shooters from the Philippines and Indonesia. Many of these athletes will also participate in the upcoming 33rd SEA Games, serving as a crucial warm-up.

In the Caesar tactical shooting competition, Thai athletes secured five gold medals across various categories. Notable winners included Mr. Weerawit Jarukiattipongsa in the Open category (men),
Mr. Peeranat Tanpairah in the Production Optic category (men), Mr. Thiraphong Thimin in the Revolver category (men), Police Lieutenant Colonel Patcharin Inhom in the Production category (women), and Ms. Thanawadee Phikyam in the Production Optic category (women).

Conversely, Filipino athletes dominated six other events, with champions like Edric Alisso in the men’s classic category, John Aaron Lanusa in the men’s production category, and Erin Mattia Maicor in the women’s open category, among others.

Post-competition, Mr. Worawit Chawananan, Vice President of the Association and Director of the Games, emphasized that the SEA Games serve as both a warm-up for athletes and a test of the association’s preparedness in terms of field standards, competition management, and equipment. The event met international standards, and the organization system was praised for its high level of preparation, confirming readiness for the SEA Games.

Mr. Chalitrat Chantrubeksa, Secretary-General of the Practicing Shooting Associ
ation and Deputy Secretary-General of the Olympic Committee of Thailand, highlighted that the SEA Games will feature eight gold medals across four divisions. The strong performance in the recent competition indicates fierce competition between the Thai and Philippine national teams, with Indonesia also posing a significant challenge.