Rear Admiral Apiwat Srivardhana, secretary-general of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, said yesterday the meet features five categories - the Hobie 16, 420, 470, optimist and laser (standard, 4.7 and radiance) classes. However, due to the limited budget, the association has decided to send only Damrongsak to compete in the Hobie 16 class.

"We wanted to field sailors in all categories, because aside from exposure they get a chance to sharpen their skills before the Asian Games in Doha in December. In fact, the tournament is a curtain-raiser to the Games," Apiwat told The Nation yesterday.

"Admiral Suravudh Maharom, chairman of the Asian Games Athletes Preparatory Committee, told me to approach the state enterprises, who are the sponsors of Asian Games-bound teams, for the money. But we decided against it and sent only Damrongsak to reduce costs."

According to the government's One Sport, One State Enterprise policy, which is meant to develop sports in the Kingdom, sports associations will be financially supported for a period of three years.

"We spent Bt250,000 to send Damrongsak to Doha. I hope he'll produce the same form that fetched him the Asian title last year. I have faith in this boy."

Preechachan Wiriyanupappong

The Nation