The Badminton Association of Thailand yesterday won four awards from the Sports Writers’ Association of Thailand.
From left, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Panpayak Jitmuangnon and Ratchanok Intanon with their trophies. TAWATCHAI KHEMGUMNERD
Shuttlers Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk and Ratchanok Intanon were named the best male and female amateur athletes of 2013 respectively.
Tanongsak, ranked No.23 in the world, became Thailand’s first badminton player in 38 years to win the men’s singles title at the SEA Games with his triumph in Myanmar in December.
World No.4 Ratchanok was the country’s first world champion in badminton with the teenager taking the women’s singles crown at the world championships in Guangzhou.
Another shuttler, world No.16 Busanan Ongbumrungphan, received the best female youth award, while the BAT, under president Khunying Patama Leesawattrakul, was chosen as the best association.
"It is great to win these awards," said Khunying Patama.
"We achieved this because of our hard work. The awards will definitely encourage us to work harder."
The BAT will have several assignments this year including the world junior championships in Malaysia, Asian championships in South Korea, Thomas Cup and Uber Cup in India, world championships in Denmark and Asian Games in South Korea, according to Patama.
The best professional athlete award went to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, the WBC super-flyweight champion.
Tanongsak, Ratchanok and Srisaket received His Majesty the King’s trophies.
The best Muay Thai fighter was Panpayak Jitmuangnon who got His Royal Highness Crown Prince’s trophy.
The best male youth athlete was golfer Nattawat Suwajanakorn.
Surachart Pisitwutthinan won the best professional trainer award after guiding Srisaket to win the world title.
The best provincial sports association was Si Sa Ket while the most improving association was the Rowing Association of Thailand.
The best team award went to the national women’s volleyball side which won its second Asian title in Nakhon Ratchasima while their coach Kiattipong Radchatakriengkrai won the best amateur coach award.
Chonburi Bluewave (futsal) and Buriram United shared the best men’s team award and their managers Komkrit Napalai and Tadtep Pitakpoonsin were the best team managers.
Harnruchai Netsiri and Anchaya Ketkaew were the best male and female disabled athletes respectively.