Vietnam, Thailand mahigpit na kalaban ng RP sa SEAG

Matapos agawan ng Vietnam ng overall title noong 2003, hangad ng Thailand na muli itong mapasakamay sa darating na 23rd Southeast Asian Games.

Matapang na nagpahayag ng prediksyon kahapon si Maj. Gen. Charouck Arirachakaran, ang secretary-general ng Thailand Olympic Committee (TOC) batay na rin sa pagtiyak ng kani-kanilang sports associations.

Ayon kay Arirachakaran, pangulo ng sepak takraw association sa Thailand, puntirya nila ang 120 gintong medalya sa 23rd SEA Games.

"This is based on the given targeted gold medals of each sports associations that we have already tallied," ani Arirachakaran. "Our sports associations heads were the ones who gave the figure. And I believe we can achieve it."

Sinabi ng Thai sports official na tatayo pa ring paborito ang Vietnam, naghari sa 2003 SEA Games na kanilang pinamahalaan, habang hindi naman nalalayo ang Pilipinas.

"Vietnam is strong in shooting, swimming, athletics and wushu. Their swimmers and shooters are currently training in China and they are also sending athletes in other sports also in China. They have been there for almost a year aleady," sabi ni Arirachakaran sa mga Vietnamese.

Ang pagiging host naman ng SEA Games ang siyang magiging bentahe ng mga Pinoy, ayon kay Arirachakaran. "Host Philippines has the advantage because of your familiarity of the venues. Your athletes are now practicing in the competition venues and that is a big factor for winning." (Russell Cadayona)