The Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association (TAWL) is considering proposing Phuket to host the World Weightlifting Championships in 2015. A delegation from this association yesterday morning visited Phuket Provincial Hall to discuss that idea in a meeting with Phuket Vice Governor Teerayut Eimtrakul. TAWL director Montol Chartsuwaan said Phuket was among three locations under consideration. The others are Pattaya and Hua Hin.

“All three are popular destinations for foreigners, but Phuket seems to have the best potential for hosting international events,” he said.

Phuket, as said by Vice governor Teerayut, is never want to turns down any opportunities to host major events and said the basic infrastructure in the area was already in place. For now Phuket is preparing a proposal to host World Expo 2020 and two new gyms suitable for the event that will be open at Saphn Him within two years, he added.

Olympic heroine, Pawina “Gai” Thongsuk, who set a world record at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, told the meeting that Chiang Mai had already hosted the event twice and that holding it in Phuket would be a good way to promote the sport in the southern region.

“When athletes go to competitions, they don’t think only about the games but also about tourist attractions they can visit afterwards. That’s why I think Phuket is a good choice. It is already a famous tourist destination, so I think it will be an interesting proposal for the IWF [International Weightlifting Federation],” said Ms Pawina, who was selected as an Olympic Athlete Role Model by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Chethawit Tantiphanvadee, Director of Phuket Sports Association, said that Phuket’s multi-cultural makeup and social harmony should make it a strong contender with the IWF.

About 2,000 athletes and other delegates from 120 IWF member countries are expected to attend that event in 2015. If Phuket is chosen, it will be asked to come up with 10 million baht of fund. The TAWL is prepared to provide 100 million baht fund.

News by Phuket Gazette