World champ: Please don't axe bodybuilding

Thailand's first world amateur bodybuilding champion, Sitthi Charoenrith, made an impassioned plea yesterday for the discipline to be reinstated for next year's SEA Games in Thailand.

The National Olympic Committee decided to drop bodybuilding from the schedule last Friday, which sparked protests from potential participants at the showpiece event in Korat.

"I have involved in the sport for 12 years," said Sitthi.

"Many others before me have worked hard, have committed themselves and excelled and continue to do so.

"We do this for ourselves but also bringing honour to Thailand.

"As bodybuilders we encourage youngsters to join our sport, get fit, train, eat well and be proud of what that can achieve."

Sitthi said he had been baffled by the exclusion, particularly as bodybuilding is included in the Asian Games in Doha later this year.

"The Asian Games is a larger event and includes our sport but we have been left out in Thailand," he said.

"What message is Thailand sending to the rest of the world and for us the athletes who have already started training for the Asian Games and the SEA Games?

"We should showcase sports that can offer medals, not just those on the popularity list. We cannot, and will not, accept the decision. We will go to the highest level possible."

Thai bodybuilders have won 11 golds, 11 silvers and 18 bronzes in the last four years in various competitions.

It is thought the NOC dropped bodybuilding because of judging criteria.