The championship, which is approved by the Asian Taekwondo Union, is being held to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

Pimol Srivikorn, the secretary-general of the Taekwondo Association of Thailand (TAT), said the association is hoping for success in the competition to push the Thai athletes to international level as well as attract young locals to the sport.

"We expect at least a gold medal from the tournament, but we are not yet sure who the medal winner will be," he said.

TAT advisor Preecha Totrakul revealed that 34 Thais, including the SEA Games squad, rising stars from the Thailand Junior Taekwondo Championships and National Games, have been training since January and 12 will be selected for the championship.

"We are focussing on this tournament as there are many good fighters, especially the Olympics medallists," said Preecha. "We have to maintain our fifth place world ranking, and that means we have to win a gold medal at least," he added.

Every Thai who wins a gold medal will receive a Bt500,000 incentive from the National Sports Develop-ment Fund, with silver and the bronze medallist receiving Bt300,000 and Bt100,000.

In additional, the Government Housing Bank will give Bt50,000, Bt30,000 and Bt20,000 more for every gold, silver and bronze medal. A private company will also award the same amount as the Government Housing Bank.

Thailand will field 12 fighters in seven classes - six men and six women. Patiwat is expected to do well for the men's team, while Yaowapa should shine in the women's category.

The Thai team:

Finweight: Chutchawal Khawlaor and Yaowapa Burapolchai

Flyweight: Dech Suthikunkarn and Nattaya Sangsasithorn

Bantamweight: Nacha Puntong and Luksamee Yumangkong

Featherweight: Chanatha Thanaroekchai and Chonnapas Premwaew

Lightweight: Patiwat Thongsalap and Watcharaporn Dongnnoi

Welterweight: Kittichote Satawikpimchanok

Heavyweight: Rapatkorn Prasopsuk.

Alitta Tangrungruengkit

The Nation