Published on April 27, 2005

[ARCHERY] Sanguan Kosavinta, the former general-secretary, was elected president of the National Archery Association of Thailand (Naat) at the general assembly of the NAAT at the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) on Monday.

Sanguan, who has worked for NAAT for 28 years, said he would improve Thai archery, especially for the next Olympics in Beijing.

“We will support Thai archers to win at least one medal at the 2008 Olympics,” said Sanguan.

He appointed Sanpong Bampensanti to take over the general secretary’s position and to manage the Thai team for the 2005 SEA Games in The Philippines.

In preparing for the SEA Games, the Naat will train four male archers – Denchai Thepna, Jarun Tiangprasert, Wittaya Tamwong and Siriphong Fakkiow – in South Korea for four months. Taiwanese coach Lai Wen Lang will train the women’s squad in Thailand.

For the compound event, the Thai team will get advice from English coach Peake Terry.

“We’ re sure we will get at least one gold medal from the compound event, which will be included in the SEA Games for the first time,” said Sanguan.

Meanwhile, Sanguan is to play an important role internationally by competing for the vice-presidency of the International Archery Federation (Fita) and the presidency of the Asian Archery Federation (AAF). “I will run for vice-president of Fita in Madrid in June against representatives from Greece, South Korea and France. I’m sure that I will receive support from Europe, America and Asia,” said Sanguan.

“And in India in November, as the vice-president of AAF, I will bid for the presidency against Yu Hong Jong from South Korea. I expect all 30 nations will vote for me too,” he added.

Montreechai Lumyongsatian

The Nation

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