Naphaswan, Savate to fly Thailand's flag

Naphaswan, Savate to fly Thailand's flag

The Olympic Rings are seen in front of the skyline during sunset one night ahead of the official opening of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo on Friday. (Reuters photo)
The Olympic Rings are seen in front of the skyline during sunset one night ahead of the official opening of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo on Friday. (Reuters photo)

Shooters Naphaswan Yangpaiboon and Savate Sresthaporn will get a once-in-a-lifetime experience when they carry the Thai flag at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics on Friday.

Naphaswan, an air pistol specialist, said on Thursday she was thrilled to be given the honour alongside trap shooter Savate, who at 58 is Thailand's oldest athlete in Tokyo.

It is the first time that two athletes -- one man and one woman -- of each country will bear their national flags during the parade in the opening ceremony in a move to promote gender equality.

Naphaswan, 33, said she was in shock when she was informed by Thailand's delegation chief Thana Chaiprasit of the decision.

"I never dreamed of getting the chance to perform this honourable duty," she said.

Naphaswan Yangpaiboon.

Naphaswan last took part in the Olympics nine years ago in London.

She participated in the opening ceremony and absorbed the memorable atmosphere.

"To be part of the athletes' parade was already amazing, but to bear the national flag ahead of the Thai parade will be extra special. I've never done anything like this even on a sports day at school. Mom and dad will be so proud when they see me on TV," said the Chiang Mai-based star.

She will compete in two categories in Tokyo -- the women's 10m and 25m air pistol events.

She failed to reach the finals at London 2012 and hopes to win a medal this time.

"I am hoping for a top-three position. But it won't be easy to win a medal as a lot of top shooters are here," said Naphaswan, a winner at the 2019 Asian championships.

She is one of six Thai shooters at Tokyo 2020.

The other five are Savate (men's trap), Tanyaporn Prucksakorn (women's air pistol), Isaranuudom Phurihiranphat (men's rapid fire pistol), Isarapa Imprasertsuk (women's skeet) and Sutiya Jiewchaloemmit (women's skeet).

Best wishes from Prayut

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has lent his support to the Thai athletes and officials representing the Kingdom at the Games.

Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said Prayut wished the Thai delegation the best of luck and hoped they would maximise their efforts under these challenging circumstances.

"I would like you to achieve your goals. Whether or not you return home with a medal, I hope you help enhance the country's reputation," Anucha quoted the prime minister as saying.

Prayut also urged the Thai athletes to be a role model and an inspiration for their young compatriots to develop their skills, according to Anucha.

The premier said the Thai athletes and officials must strictly follow the Covid-19 protocols in the host country, the spokesman added.

Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn will represent the Thai government at Friday's opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics.

Thailand will be the 102nd country in the parade of participating countries at the ceremony.

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