Thailand picked up its first gold medals yesterday at the Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar.
Although four days remain until the official opening ceremonies, exhibition games featuring many traditional games have already begun, and the Thai men’s and women’s teams beat Cambodia and Laos in chinlone, a traditional game of Myanmar. Malaysia claimed the bronze in both.
Myanmar didn’t compete in Thursday’s game, which made its debut at this 27th SEA Games and features six players bouncing a ball with their feet, head, knees and chest, similar to Thailand’s takraw.
On Wednesday, Myanmar claimed two golds with easy wins against Thailand. So far, Thailand tops in medals with two golds and two silvers, while Myanmar has earned two golds.
Thailand hopes to win more than 100 gold medals of 460 up for grabs in 33 sports at the biannual event.
Thai ambitions are low for other traditional sports such as the Vietnamese martial art vovinam, but the games will feature Muay Thai. International games such as tennis and gymnastics were excluded this year.
Opening ceremonies are Wednesday and the games end Dec. 22, Bangkok Post reported.
Gold-medaling women’s team: Jiraporn Palasri, Poyim Gatesinee, Jaisue Yaowares, Paenthong Pornpairin, Sochaiyan Kantinan, Jsukchit Wiphada and Jaisue Yaowvalux.
Gold-medaling men’s team: Jemphara Eekkawee, Prasert Kamol, Jngrot Khanawut, Lonon Komin. Nallaong Kosol, Dngthawthong Noppaton, Ethon Pongphan and Risawat Witsarut.
Photo: SEA Games
