Ratchanok's Chinese coach to get Thai citizenship

Ratchanok's Chinese coach to get Thai citizenship

New World No.1 women's shuttler Ratchanok Intanon in action against
New World No.1 women's shuttler Ratchanok Intanon in action against "Government House No.1" Prayut Chan-o-cha (right) on Wednesday. (Photo by Thanarak Khunton)

The man behind the huge success of the world's top women's shuttler Ratchanok Intanon is close to fulfilling his dream of being granted Thai citizenship.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Wednesday officials have been assigned to work on all legal processes to give coach Xie Zhuhua Thai citizenship.

Gen Prayut conveyed the message to the world's new top women's badminton player when she visited Government House, one of several stops after scoring a hat trick of victories in the India, Malaysia and Singapore Open championships in three consecutive weeks.

Her top spot will become official on Thursday when the Badminton World Federation is to announce the ranking update.

Her Chinese coach has long sought Thai citizenship after grooming Ratchanok since the 21-year-old was 6, at  Banthongyod club. He has made his career in Thailand, coaching here for 24 years.

Xie accompanied his player to Government House, where he thanked the prime minister for helping with  the citizenship process, and promised to train Ratchanok to play even better.

The coach also witnessed his favourite play a rally with the prime minister in front of the Thai Khu Fa building. Afterwards, Gen Prayut proclaimed lightheartedly, "I'm the number one player at Government House."

Ratchanok said her dream was to make history by becoming the first Thai player to win a  badminton gold when she competes in the Summer Olympics in Rio De Janeiro this year.

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