Thai twins Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana have been granted a last-minute place in the tennis doubles event at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro which begin Friday.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) informed the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT) yesterday that Sonchat and Sanchai can participate in the Games.
LTAT president Kitsombat Uamongkol said that there had been some late pullouts from the doubles events and the ITF decided to offer a place in the Games to Sonchat and Sanchai, who are ranked No.113 in the world doubles rankings.
Kitsombat added: "We immediately conveyed the ITF offer to the National Olympic Committee of Thailand and sought confirmation from them if Sonchat and Sanchai can represent Thailand in the tennis doubles event of the Olympic Games.
"The OCT has given us the green light to let both players go to Brazil and join other Thai athletes there immediately.
"It is good news not only for Sonchat and Sanchai but also for Thai tennis and we are grateful to the NOCT and head of delegation Khun Thana Chaiprasit for their swift action."
Sonchat said: "Our participation was only confirmed this morning.
"We missed out on the 2008 Beijing Games at the last minute so this is great for us.
"The ITF had listed us as the first reserve pair but we kept practising in the hope that we might get a chance to compete in the Olympics.
"This will be our first participation in the Games and we will put in our best effort."
With Sonchat and Sanchai, both 34, qualifying for the 2016 Olympics, the number of Thailand's athletes at the Aug 5-21 Rio Games has increased to 54 in total.
