In the previous Fespic (Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled) Games in Busan, South Korea, four years ago, the Thai squad returned with 128 medals including 43 gold.

This time, a total of 910 gold, 910 silver and 1,025 bronze medals are on offer in 19 sporting events comprising athletics, swimming, power lifting, badminton, table tennis, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball, goalball, judo, boccia, archery, shooting, wheelchair fencing, volleyball, lawn bowls, sailing, tenpin bowling, cycling and soccer. Thai disabled athletes are contending in 13 disciplines, targeting at least 50 gold and a top-three finish in the medal standings. At the Busan edition, they finished third behind powerhouses China and South Korea.

To date, 47 Asia-Oceania countries have confirmed their participation in the one-week meet, with 4,000 athletes and officials taking part.

The sporting venues will be in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor except sailing which will be held in Port Dickson some 100km away.

Before their departure, the Thai squad, led by Tourism and Sport Minister Suvit Yodmanee, called on Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont at Government House.

Medallists from the Kuala Lumpur Games will receive Bt300,000 for each gold, Bt140,000 for silver and Bt70,000 for bronze.

Preechachan

Wiriyanupappong

The Nation