Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra reiterated yesterday that her government would push for sports development.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra greets Thailand’s athletes and officials for the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games at Government House yesterday. CHANAT KATANYU
The government will provide facilities and funds for athletes, officials and referees to improve to meet international standards, she said.
The prime minister was speaking to Thailand's athletes and officials who met her at Government House before taking part in the 4th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Incheon, South Korea later this month.
The contingent received only 39.5 million baht from the government for their preparations for the tournament.
There will be 116 Thai athletes and officials at the Games to be held from June 29-July 6. They hope to bring home 13 gold medals in 10 sports.
Yingluck told them to uphold sportsmanship and do their best to bring home success.
"All Thais are proud of you," she said.
Meanwhile, Thailand will bid to host the 3rd World Combat Games in 2015, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) said.
The tournament made its debut in China in 2010 and the second edition will be held in St Petersburg, Russia in October.
More than 1,500 athletes from about 100 countries are expected to participate in this year's tournament which features 15 sports including Muay Thai, boxing, judo, karate, kendo, sumo, taekwondo and wushu.