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Published on August 18, 2007

 "You [Thailand] have had great success in hosting the 24th Universiade, thanks largely to the tireless dedication of the UBOC [Universiade Bangkok Organising Committee]," said FISU president George E Killian. Killian and other FISU executive committee members, delivered their assessment of the host nation at a press conference at Thammasat University's Rangsit Campus yesterday.

"Everything was on the right track from the beginning. All visitors, including overseas athletes, officials and FISU's families, received warm hospitality from Thailand and its people," said Killian, who was re-elected for a second term as FISU president at its 30th general assembly in Bangkok on August 5.

"The opening ceremony was spectacular and ended in good memories. I'm convinced that everyone was so impressed with the ceremony, and it will be one of the greatest moments all participants remember when they think about the Games," Killian said.

"On Friday morning I met with the deputy prime minister of Serbia, which will be the next host in 2009. He also said the same thing; praising your country for doing a great job. He admitted that Serbia will find it very difficult to meet the high standard Thailand has set in hosting the next Universiade," he added. Asked what Thailand could have done better, Killian said: "Nothing in the world can be called 'perfect'. We all know that Thailand had a hiccup from the very beginning, but the country and its people proved their ability. Problems were cleared eventually."

Somporn Suphop

The Nation

Pathum Thani