Bangkok……Despite the economic downturn and the worldwide H1N1 pandemic, Thailand as host still won the hearts of participants in the 1st Asian Martial Arts Games with its magnificent culture both at the opening ceremony and throughout all its sporting venues.
 Chef De Mission, Mr. Yousef Boukandar, head of the Kuwait team, proved that it was true “I’m not a stranger to Thailand as I have been here many times bringing athletes to compete in numerous games” said Yousef, who was given , as always warm hospitality on his team’s arrival in Bangkok.
Apart from the marvelous beaches, which put Thailand on the map, world-renowned martial arts Thai Boxing or ‘Muay-Thai’ will also excite all visitors. “Kuwait has two athletes to contest the ‘Muay-Thai’ competition and has set high expectations on them. They have a very big chance of winning medals because these two are the best in our country. All our athletes selected for this event are certainly very competitive”, said Mr. Yousef.
The two up-and-coming fighters are Nawaf Ahmad and Ali Taresh, who shoulder the expectation of Kuwait to put the country’s flag on the podium amongst many nations’.
Asked about his outlook on the Games, Mr. Yousef expressed his optimism. “Thailand had been hosting successful Asian Games in the past, so this one will also be another success story. When many athletes gather to compete in an event such as this, it creates harmony in the Asian community and we hope to see the raising of my country flag amongst other nation’s flags.
Tao Cao, Team manager of the Chinese taekwondo team, is another visitor, who has had a positive impression of Thailand since he accompanied Chinese athletes during the Bangkok Asian Games.
“I came here in 1998 for the Asian Games. Bangkok was nice, even though I didn’t have a good memory about the Games. The referees gave us some concern,” he said with a chuckle.
“We know about the world pandemic from our Sports Authority before coming here, but we believe there is no problem. As for the Games, we are satisfied with the organization. The coordinating staff of the Games try to support us. I agree with the motto of the event, which says that these Games are ‘The Games of Spirits, the Land of Smiles’,” said the Manager, who believes his athletes are in top form.
Korean Taekwondo referee, Ki Su Lee, has also fallen in love with Thailand, and travelled from Sri Lanka for the Games. “I have been in Thailand in 1998 for the Asian Games. I was impressed with the people here and especially Thai food. And I think this competition is good as people in martial arts circles can get together,” he said.
After two postponements, the Games’ curtain was finally raised with a magnificent opening ceremony last night. Thailand, as always, will take this opportunity to leave an impressive imprint on the minds of participants as it records a special place in the history of martial art sports’ as the first-ever Asian Martial Arts Games to be held.
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