Support from Singha can help Ratchanok reach top

Support from Singha can help Ratchanok reach top

Thai teenager Ratchanok Intanon's bid to become the world's top badminton player has received a boost with her club Banthongyod getting financial support from Singha Corporation.

Ratchanok Intanon

The club, which is also a badminton school, yesterday signed a contract with Singha, which will cover the expense of sending its players to participate in overseas tournaments, such as air tickets and accommodation fees.

Currently ranked No.5 in the world, Ratchanok said the deal was good for her and teammates at the club.

"We are still young and need financial support," she said.

Ratchanok, who recently won her first Superseries title at the India Open, said she had tried to get stronger physically to reach her goal.

"My target for this year is reaching the top three in the world," she said.

"With hard work and strong physique, I believe I can become the world's No.1 in two years."

Singha executive Rungsrid Luxsitanonda believes Thais could become successful in badminton, like Chinese and Indonesians.

"We support the club because we believe it has the potential to produce new Ratchanoks," he said.

"We pledge long-term support for the club and we will not have any problem if it gets similar support from other companies."

Established in 1991, Banthongyod is one of the country's leading badminton schools and clubs.

Apart from Ratchanok, it also has several rising stars, including Pisit Poodchalard and Narissapat Lam.

World No.91 Pisit won gold in the men's singles at the 2010 Youth Olympics, while Narissapat triumphed in the women's doubles at the 2012 Thailand Open.

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