Ayutthaya: Coach Che' Chatchai Che, head coach of the Thai national team, is optimistic about the Thailand Taekwondo Grand Prix, sponsored by PTT Public Company Limited, serving as a solid foundation for nurturing young athletes. The goal is to develop them into national team members, potentially creating the next tennis star akin to the renowned Panipak Wongpattanakit. According to Thai News Agency, the Taekwondo Thailand Grand Prix for youth aged 12-14 recently commenced its first series, known as Series 1 Cadet (T6), at Ayutthaya City Park Shopping Center, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The event saw participation from over 400 male and female youth athletes from across the country. This competition marks the second consecutive year of support from PTT Public Company Limited, which aids the Taekwondo Association of Thailand through the 1 Sport 1 State Enterprise Plus project. 'Coach Che' Chatchai Che, who chaired the competition, emphasized the importance of having a standard platform for Thai youth to showcase their skills and accumulate points for national recognition. Athletes achieving ranks 1 to 4 in each category will have the chance to be considered for the Thai national team. This initiative aims to follow in the footsteps of 'Tennis' Panipak Wongpattanakit, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who joined the national team at the age of 14. The event's success hinges not only on the steadfast support from entities like PTT but also on the cooperation of various sectors, including organizers, referees, and the athletes themselves. The dedication and commitment of these young athletes, alongside the unwavering support from their families, are crucial as they strive for success in their beloved sport of Taekwondo. Looking ahead, the Thai national team is preparing for several upcoming competitions. In July, they will participate in the Asian Youth and Junior Championships in Malaysia and the 2025 World University Games in Germany. Later in October, the World Championships in China will take place, fol lowed by the 33rd SEA Games, where the association aims to secure a gold medal.
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