In the run-up to their appearance in the London Summer Olympic Games, the Thai taekwondo team has been busy preparing themselves in ways other than physical.
The team yesterday sought a spiritual boost by visiting holy places around Bangkok including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, City Pillar Shrin and Brahma Shrine, the Bangkok Post reported.
They also visited Phra Tham Methacharn, deputy abbot of Wat Sommanat, who performed a holy water ritual on them and gave them amulets.
“I hope you become successful… You must have confidence and do not underestimate opponents,” he said.
The Taekwondo Association of Thailand (TAT) president Pimol Srivikorn put forth his own spiritual offering and presented the athletes with a sacred powder from the City Pillar Shrine. He added that it was tradition for the team’s Olympic athletes to take part in spiritual activities before competition.
The team won silver in Beijing after being blessed by a revered monk, he pointed out.
The TAT has also received a more tangible boost in the form of THB4.25 million baht from the Government Housing Bank as part of the “one state enterprise supports one sport association” financial scheme.
Thailand will be represented by three Taekwondo – a Korean martial art — “fighters”: Pen-ek Karaket (men’s 58kg), Chanatip Sonkham (women’s 49kg) and Rangsiya Nisaisom (women’s 57kg).
The THB4.25 million is to be given to a medalist, Mr. Pimol said.
