Chonburi: ‘Coach Nok’ Phanom Phutcha secured his third gold medal in the 4X100m relay race at the 7th National Senior Games, also known as the ‘Khao Lam Games’. The event was held at the Central Stadium, National Sports University, Chonburi Campus. In the Men’s 35-39 Years Old Category, the Bangkok relay team, comprising Bandit Kaewpoolsri, Sahat Samayana, Anupong Chotiwanawan, and Phanom Phutcha, outpaced their competitors to clinch the gold with a time of 44.48 seconds. Phitsanulok and Surat Thani followed, securing silver and bronze with times of 46.67 and 47.18 seconds, respectively. This victory marked Phanom Phutcha’s third gold in the games, following his earlier successes in the 100m and 200m races.
According to Thai News Agency, in the swimming events, Anan Eiewcharoen from Chiang Mai excelled in the 50-meter butterfly for men in the 80-84 age group. Competing in the first lane, Eiewcharoen claimed the gold with a time of 53.68 seconds, maintaining his status as defending champion. Athiwet Meesang from Bangkok took silver, while Sukree Khumphan from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya earned the bronze.
In tennis, at the Greta Resort and Sports Club Pattaya, the mixed doubles team of Jaruphum Suwan Decha and Busaya Uicharoen from Bangkok, who are two-time defending champions, advanced to the second round. They overcame Jittiwat Ngansampantharit and Thitirat Suttichaikun from Ubon Ratchathani with a score of 8-4.
Busaya Uicharoen, who is also a political reporter for Thai News Agency, highlighted the importance of the senior sports events, noting that they encourage exercise and international competition among senior athletes. However, she suggested that team transfer regulations could be improved to prevent overly easy transfers.
On the athletics track, Colonel Nipon Sudjaitham, a 76-year-old former national team runner, participated in the 1,500-meter event for the 75-79 age category. Although he finished fifth, his performance in the morning’s 5,000-meter walk earned him a silver medal and the admiration of the audience, who applauded his effort.
Grandpa Nipon, as he is fondly known, shared that running without shoes in his earlier training days made him feel lighter and healthier. He plans to continue competing to maintain his health and enjoy the camaraderie with fellow athletes.
The day’s medal tally saw Bangkok leading, followed by Sa Kaeo, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Khon Kaen.