The eight Thai Olympic boxers have arrived at Beijing for the Games on August 8-24 after three months of intensive training and sparring in Vietnam.

The Vietnam Airlines flight from Ho Chi Minh City arrived at Beijing, China, at noon on August 3, carrying eight Thai boxing athletes including light flyweight Amnat Ruenroeng, flyweight Somjit Jongjohor, bantamweight Worapoj Petchkhoom, featherweight Sailom Adi, lightweight Pichai Sayotha, light welterweight Manus Boonjumnong, welterweight Non Boonjumnong, and middleweight Angkhan Chomphuphuang.

Accompanying the athletes to Beijing were four coaches including Kammanit Nareerat, Omar Paragon, Chaichumporn Chamnanmak, and Suparb Bonnror.

The group was greeted warmly by the “Olympic family” Chinese officials who escorted them throughout the immigration process. Boxer Manus, however, did not receive his baggage at the claim. Despite the help of Chinese officials, the airlines did not know how it lost his suitcase, as well as his training outfits and national uniforms in the case.

Manus, although frustrated, joked that his bad luck at the airport would be substituted with a medal, possibly gold. The other athletes have let him borrowed their clothes while the Amateur Boxing Association of Thailand is sending him more boxing outfits.

The boxers are satisfied with the facilities and arrangements at the Beijing athlete’s village. They spent about one hour jogging and punching bags in the evening of the first day before the coaches let them take some rest.          

News: Siamsport