True signs Bt1.6 billion deal to support three main badminton events

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, the Minister of Sports and Tourism, Thai badminton chief Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, Thomas Lund, secretary general for Badminton World Federation (BWF), and  Birathon Kasemsri Na Ayudhaya Executive Assistant to Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chief Content & Media Officer -True Corporation PLC held a press conference at Anoma Hotel on the signing ceremony for the memorandum of understanding between True and BAT..  “Badminton is one of the few successful sports for Thai people in the international cycle. We have seen Ratchanok “Nong May” Intanon placed as the world’s number 1 in badminton before. There are also other players who have been listed in the world’s top 20,” said Tourism and Sport Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul.

Birathon Kasemsri Na Ayudhaya Executive Assistant to Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chief Content & Media Officer -True Corporation PLC., first from left and Thai badminton chief Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, second from right, hold MOU certificate during the press conference. 

  “The ministry is pleased to be a part to support badminton to the international level this time. It will lay a solid foundation to improve the sport and build the professional badminton cycle even stronger.

    “As a government agency that supports sport and tourism, the ministry would like to congratulate the cooperation between the two giant organizations. The cooperation will definitely push the badminton industry forward and build the name for the nation, as a host country that welcomes badminton players from around the world, as well as to reach out to the international level. Hosting an international competition at home will not only encourage local players to attend the international competition with smaller budget to travel within the country, but also draw foreigners who will spend and  generate income in the country. The competitions will absolutely support sport tourism which is a policy under the current government. During the competition, there will be athletes and their families, staff and fans coming to cheer on their favorite players. This will definitely generate high income to the country.

    “The ministry’s move to support the activity and the international and national sports is a way to help improve quality and discipline of the people, and generate income for the people. Most importantly, the event will bring fame to the country and its people as well as attract youngsters to be interested in sport.

            On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the association and True Corporation to be determine to improve badminton and raise the bar of the sport to the international level. I would like to wish every organization to be successful in their project,” said the minister.

  “It is a great pleasure of the association to have a chance to be a part of the government’s policy to boost sport tourism by being a host for three international badminton competitions next year which are Princess Sirivannavari Thailand Masters ,Thomas Uber Cup, and SCG Thailand Open 2018 (World Super Series),” said Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, president of the Badminton Association of Thailand.

After receiving an honor and confidence from the Badminton World Federation to host the world male and female competitions for the final round for Thomas Uber Cup 2018, Thailand has been awarded to host the super series, for the first time in history, and Grand Prix Gold for four years between 2018 and 2021. This will make badminton industry to quickly improve to meet he international level. With a determination and devotion of the association to raise the bar for local badminton players, and build a new generation of players to enter international arena, to bring fame to the country and happiness to its people.

 “One of the association’s main policies is our determination to improve the badminton with good governance. This will be a time where local badminton players will be able to show off their talents to the world.

 “Offering to host the competitions is considered as a way to boost local economy, to be in line with the government’s policy. It is also an opportunity for local players to improve their potential and capability. We believe the cooperation between True Corporation PCL and the association in the latest memorandum of understanding will work out efficiently and will move the badminton forward to the international level in the future,” she said.

 “We would like to congratulate the cooperation that will push Thailand’s badminton industry to the international level. With potential and determination of the two organizations, we believe Thailand will certainly be a great host for all three international competitions as well as the AGM Meeting,”  BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund said

  “It is a great pleasure for True Group to be a part of the government’s policy to support sport tourism and the association. It has always been our determination to support and improve sport industry in the country to meet the international standard. The three competitions will be broadcast through True Visions’ True4U (channel 24) and online channel True Visions Anywhere on True Move H network. We are confident the cooperation will help improve and push the badminton industry to international level,” said Birathon Kasemsri Na Ayudhaya Executive Assistant to Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chief Content & Media Officer -True Corporation PLC.

Of all the international competitions to be held in Thailand, Princess Sirivannavari Thailand Masters 2018 which will see prizes worth US$150,000 will be held at Indoor Stadium Hua Mark between January 9 and 14, 2018. Thomas Uber Cup will be held at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani from May 20-27, 2018. SCG Thailand Open 2018 (World Super Series) will take place at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani from July 7-15, 2018, with prizes worth US$350,000.