Bangkok:The Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand has announced that funding for Thai tennis has been doubled, with gold medalists now set to receive 4 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, Suchai Pornchaisakudom, the president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, revealed the increase in prize money for athletes from the National Sports Development Fund. This boost aims to enhance morale ahead of the 20th Asian Games. Gold medalists will now receive 4 million baht, silver medalists 2 million baht, and bronze medalists 1 million baht.
The Thai national tennis team is gearing up for the 20th Asian Games, with competitions scheduled from September 27th to October 3rd. The team recently completed their final practice session before departing for Japan. The men's team features Kasidit Samrej, Thailand's top men's singles player, alongside Maximus Parapon Jones and Prachya Isaro, both bronze medalists from the previous Hangzhou Games. The women's team is led by Mananchaya Sawangkeaw and Patcharin Cheepchandej.
The Thai tennis team last secured a gold medal at the Asian Games during the 2014 Incheon Games in the women's doubles event, with players Tamarine Tanasugarn and Laksika Kumkhum. The upcoming games will include five gold medal events across men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles.