Thai aces exceed expectations
Boxers lift tally to five golds in Buenos Aires
Atichai Phoemsap and Panpatchara Somnuek claimed historic boxing gold medals for Thailand at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.
Panpatchara became the first Thai fighter to win boxing gold at the tournament after cruising to a 5-0 points victory over Jennifer Yazmin Carrillo of Mexico in the women’s 57kg final bout at the Ocean Pavillion.
Atichai, fighting in the men’s 60kg division, then outclassed Taras Bondarchuk of Ukraine 5-0 to win the second gold for the Kingdom.
The Thai campaign got off to a disappointing start when Sarawut Sukthet had to settle for a silver medal after losing to Ivan Price of Great Britain with an RSC decision in the first round of their men’s 52kg final.
The defeat did not dampen the Thais’ spirit however as both Panpatchara and Atichai put on impressive performances to claim their respective victories.
“I was under pressure early on because I know that she [Carillo] is a strong fighter. But the coach [Juan Fontanills] told me to stay close and land body punches and it worked,” said Panpatchara.
“I’m very happy to be the first Thai boxer to win the Youth Olympics gold medal,” added Panpatchara, who will pocket a two-million-baht bonus from the National Sports Development Fund.
Atichai also expressed delight after achieving his target.
“I’m happy to be able to achieve my goal and win gold here,” said Atichai. “I did what I was told to do by the coach. In the early stage it was kind of difficult but after a while things went according to plan.
“I will continue to work hard and improve. I hope to win many more tournaments,” he added.
Meanwhile Sarawut revealed he was accidentally struck at the back of his neck by Price’s forearm and the blow restricted his movement. He said he tried to fight on but was told it was too dangerous to continue.
Weerapon Jongjoho, nephew of 2008 Olympic boxing champion Somjit, took a bronze after beating Jancen Poutoa of Samoa 5-0 in the men’s 75kg division.
Thailand were hoping for another gold medal from Asian champion Porntip Buapa in the women’s 60kg final. She was due to fight world champion Caroline Sara Dubois of Great Britain late last night.
Somchai Poonsawat, technical chief of the Thai Boxing Association, said the team’s success proved Thailand is a nation of great boxing pedigree.
“To compete at the Youth Olympics, these kids had to win titles at the world championships, Asian championships and continental qualifying events. So they are here because they are the best,” he said.
“Each country can only send boxers to compete in five divisions and we managed to get to four finals. It was a great effort,” he added.
Under the National Sports Development Fund’s bonus scheme for the Youth Olympics, a gold medal is worth two million baht, a silver one million baht and a bronze 500,000 baht.
Thailand have won five gold medals so far, surpassing their target of three in the Games which end this morning, Thai time.
The Thai champions so far are taekwondo fighter Kanthida Saengsin, weightlifter Supatchanin Khamhaeng, golfers Atthaya Thitikul and Vanchai Luangnitikul in the mixed team event and boxers Atichai and Panpatchara.