Thunya and Sinphet shoulder big weight
The Thai weightlifting team will begin their hunt for glory at the Asian Games today.
The country has sent 15 lifters to Indonesia with Thunya Sukcharoen and Sinphet Kruaithong in action today at the Jakarta International Expo Hall.
Thunya will compete in the women’s 48kg division at 2pm and Sinphet in the men’s 56kg class at 5pm.
The Thai squad’s hopes have been boosted by the absence of weightlifters from powerhouses China and Kazakhstan who have been banned from international events for doping.
However, the Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association (Tawa) has set a humble target of winning one gold medal although it will field two Olympic champions in Sopita Tanasan and Sukanya Srisurat.
Indeed, Thunya and Sinphet could be Thai champions at the 18th Asiad before Sopita and Sukanya compete.
Thunya won gold in snatch and two silvers in clean and jerk and total weight in the 48kg class at the 2017 world championships
“Our athletes are ready,” said Tawa adviser Intarat Yodbangtoey. “Thunya’s chance of winning gold is 50-50 because the Indian weightlifter is strong.”
India’sSaikhomMirabaiChanuhadbeaten Thunya for golds in clean and jerk and combined weight at the world championships.
Chanu also took gold at this year’s Commonwealth Games.
At the Asian Games, only one gold medal
in total weight is awarded in each class.
Sinphet got bronze at the 2016 Rio Games to became the first Thai male weightlifter to win an Olympic medal.
After the best performance of his career, he was axed from the team for disciplinary reasons. The Tawa only welcomed him back a few months ago after he promised to behave.
While Thailand have won five Olympic gold medals in weightlifting since Athens 2004, they claimed only two titles at the Asian Games when Chaiya Chinda in 1966 and Pawina Thongsuk at Qatar 2006 triumphed.