OLYMPICS
Talented veteran confident of chances
KITTIPONG THONGSOMBAT
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej talks to Thai athletes who will be competing at the 2008 Olympics at Government House yesterday. The prime minister promised that he would make a meal for the athletes during the Beijing Games. |
Thai athletes will wear new uniforms produced by Grand Sport Group during the 2008 Olympics. |
Thai shooting bosses believe Jakkrit Panichpatikum could be a surprise at the Olympic Games at Beijing and bring home a medal. There will be four Thai shooters at next month's 2008 Games with the other three being Sasithorn Hongprasert, Thanyalak Chotphibunsin and Thanyaporn Prueksakorn.
While they are ranked outsiders, Thailand coach Peera Piromrat said that Jakkrit might be able to get a medal if he could repeat his performance at training.
''Jakkrit once fired 588 out of 600 points in training. This would put him in the top three in the world in the men's 10m air pistol,'' he said.
Jakkrit himself believed he could do well in Beijing and urged fans to give his support.
''I have never lost hope,'' said the 35-year-old veteran who will be competing in his third Olympics.
''If I am successful, do not forget to congratuate me.''
Jakkrit was in good form in recent tournaments and in training but he said this did not guarantee success on the biggest stage. ''I do not care much about what I did at training,'' said Jakkrit who will take part in the 10m air pistol and 50m free pistol.
''It is the competition day that counts.''
Meanwhile, local sportswear ma-nufacturer Grand Sport Group yesterday unveiled specially designed clothes for the Thai Olympians.
The outfit will make the athletes feel more comfortable, according to Grand Sport Group.
At a press conference, Jakkrit said wearing the clothes made him feel more comfortable and gave him more confidence.
''I hope I have a chance to wear it at a medal awarding ceremony in the Olympics. I am now thinking about what clothes I will wear when I am on the podium,'' he said jokingly.
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