Thai Team Weak in World Weightlifting Championships

Thailand has been dealt a heavy blow in the World Weightlifting Championships currently being held in Chiang Mai. Local favorite Pawina Thongsuk pulled out of the competition before the start of the tournament last week.

Pawina was one of four female weightlifters who qualified to represent Thailand in the 2004 Athens Olympics. She brought back a gold medal from the event. Since then, Pawina has continued to represent her country at international weightlifting events. She has competed in the 63 kilogram, 69 kilogram and 75 kilogram classes and she participated in the 2006 Asian Games.

Lack of fitness was Pawina’s reason from withdrawing from the current tournament. This is the first time Thailand has hosted the World Championships and many are disappointed that they lack a strong candidate now that Pawina will not compete.

Today is the last day of the competition. So far, Thailand holds three silver medals and two bronzes. Annipa Moontar, participating in the over 75 kilogram category, is Thailand’s last chance for a gold medal.

In addition to Pawina’s withdrawal, the Thai team also experienced a serious injury. Prapawadee Jaroenrattanatarakoon failed to win a medal in the 53 kilogram category in which she competed, instead leaving the tournament with an injury which will stop her from competing for the next three months.

Chinese coach Zhang Jia Min Jiaming, who was responsible for training the four female Olympians since Athens had to return home and was not present for the competition, a serious factor in Thailand’s weak performance in the World Championship. Many speculate that he may not return to the Thai team, but may be persuaded to lead Chinese weightlifters to victory.

The World Championships are key to determining how a country will fare at the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing and many doubt that Thailand will be able to repeat their earlier victories, especially without the help of their legendary coach.