Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has awarded 1.5 million baht to the Thai men's ice hockey team for clinching the World Championship Division 3 title and earning promotion to the higher tier.
Thailand defeated Luxembourg 6-1 in the final match of the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division III, Group A in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Saturday.
The March 10-16 tournament was participated by six nations. They were Mexico, Luxembourg, Thailand, Turkmenistan, hosts Kyrgyzstan and South Africa.
Thailand won all their five matches and claimed the World Championship Division III, Group A title to gain promotion to Division 2, Group B.
Patama and ML Kritsada Kasemsan, president of the Ice Hockey Association of Thailand, provided support to the Thai men's ice hockey team throughout the tournament.
"The Thai team demonstrated strength and determination, reflecting teamwork rather than a superstar-focused approach, and their hard work resulted in an outstanding performance," said Patama.
"I am therefore pleased to offer a special grant of 1.5 million baht to support and encourage to these athletes."
Patama received an honorary award from Sadyr Zhaparov, President of Kyrgyzstan, with Akylbek Zhaparov, Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, presenting it during this competition.
The award was presented in recognition of her contribution to promoting ice hockey in Kyrgyzstan.