Olympic squad gets holy water

Olympic squad gets holy water

Athletes receive holy water from Chao Khun Thongchai at Wat Traimitwitthayaram on Thursday before heading to Rio de Janeiro for the Olympic Games. (Photo by Krit Phromsakla na Sakolnakorn)
Athletes receive holy water from Chao Khun Thongchai at Wat Traimitwitthayaram on Thursday before heading to Rio de Janeiro for the Olympic Games. (Photo by Krit Phromsakla na Sakolnakorn)

Thai athletes preparing to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games visited renowned monk Chao Khun Thongchai at his temple in Bangkok on Thursday for his blessing before flying off to Brazil.

As the Games draws near, the athletes felt they needed a morale boost before leaving Thailand.

Thana Chaiprasit, chief of the Thai delegation to the Rio Games, took them to Wat Traimitwitthayaram to meet Chao Khun Thongchai, the temple's assistant abbot.

Chao Khun Thongchai, whose official name is Phra Prommangkalachan, made no predictions on their mission. But all received holy water and a fabric talisman from the monk, who made himself famous beyond Thailand's shores after boldly picking Leicester to win the English Premier League in the 2015-2016 season.

The monk told five of the Olympic boxers on July 10 that the secret of success was to concentrate on the ring and said he hoped that all would bring gold medals back to Thai fans. "No time for losing. Just win, win and win," he said.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha chats with athletes during a visit to Government House on Thursday. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)

The athletes also met with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at Government House on Thursday.

Gen Prayut said all Thais are behind them in the Games and urged them to do their best for the country.

"Everybody going to the Games has to go with hope. If you don't have that, you'd better stay home. But don't put pressure on yourself," he said. "Just play by the rules, be patient and win the hearts of spectators."

The government has earmarked almost 250 million baht to support the Thai team in the competition.

Thailand is sending 52 athletes competing in 16 events to Rio de Janeiro.

The Thai participants, plus 55 delegates, will enter the athletes’ village on Monday and the Thai flag will be raised on Aug 4.

Some athletes, including boxers, have already left for Brazil to prepare for the Games in advance.

The Olympics begin on Aug 5.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (5)