Bodybuilders push for place in Korat's Sea Games next year

Date: 28-12-2006 Posted by: Anabolic Info TeamThailand

The Thai Bodybuilding Association has renewed their call for the sport to be included in next year's Sea Games in Korat. In a statement, TBA president Pakpong Kriangsak asked concerned parties to give a clear-cut explanation why Thailand cannot hold the competition in the biennial Games.

Charoen Wattanasin, one of the Thai representatives on the Sea Games Council, was quoted as saying this week that it was too late to reinstate bodybuilding.

He cited Sea Games regulations that the number of sports for each Games must be determined at least 12 months before the event begins.

He also reportedly said Sea Games Council members did not want the inclusion of bodybuilding because the judging was unfair and the winners were often pre-arranged.

''The TBA would like to know which country in the Sea Games Council was against bodybuilding,'' Pakpong said.

He said there was no discussion on the matter at the latest Sea Games Council meeting in Chon Buri in September when the number of sports for the Korat Games was decided.

''The Thai Bodybuilding Assocation would like to see proof of alleged unfair judging,'' he said.

Pakpong said the TBA had sent at least three letters to the Olympic Committee of Thailand asking for a meeting.

But OCT secretary-general Maj Gen Charouck Arirachakaran said he would not be available until early 2007 due to this month's Asian Games in Qatar and would help push for the inclusion of bodybuilding if Thai bodybuilders were successful at the Doha Games.

''There must be four countries endorsing the inclusion of a sport. I think this should be possible. Singapore would definitely give their support as would Thailand. We only need to find support from two more countries,'' Maj Gen Charouck said in a television interview.

Sitthi Charoenrith became the first Thai bodybuilder to win an Asian Games gold medal when he triumphed in the 80kg division but the OCT has since done little to keep its promise.