Thais secure four spots for Paris Olympic weightlifting
TEAM THAILAND HAVE secured four berths at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris following their success at the World Weightlifting Championships in Phuket.
The competition, otherwise known as the “2024 I.W.F. World Cup,” took place at the Khun Lert Phokarak Convention Center at Phuket Rajabhat University (PRU) between Mar 31 and Apr 11. with over 1,600 athletes and officials taking part from more than 120 countries.
Team Thailand won a total of seven medals, including six silver and one bronze, which was sufficient to secure the four spots at the summer extravaganza in the French capital.
The quota includes two spots for male athletes in the 61kg and 73kg weight classes and two spots for female athletes in the 49kg and over 81kg categories.
At time of press the Thai team were still hopeful of securing further qualification place for Paris 2024 in the women’s 59kg and men’s 102kg weight classes.
Maj Gen Intharat Yodbangtoey, President of The Amateur Weightlifting Association of Thailand, said he was delighted with the performance of all Thai competitors.
Knowing the country had at least four spots for the biggest tournament in the world later this year was very impressive and more than most other countries, he added.
Which athletes will represent Thailand has yet to be confirmed although Thanyathorn Sukcharoen and Surachana Khambao in the women’s 49kg and over 81kg and Teerapat Chomchuen and Teeraphong Silachai in the men’s 61kg and 74kg are considered the favourties to claim the spots.
The Phuket News