Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism and Sports presides over the Sport Writers Association of Thailand Awards 2021

On 22 April 2022, Mr. Chote Trachu, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism and Sports, presided over the opening ceremony of the Sport Writers Association of Thailand Awards 2021 with Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, International Olympic Committee (OIC) Member, Deputy President of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), and President of the Badminton Association of Thailand as event organizer, Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), Mr. Somchai Poolsawat, Member of the Judging Committee, and Mr. Worawut Pongteerapol, President of the Sport Writers Association of Thailand at the third floor, Anoma Grand Hotel.

Mr. Chote Trachu, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism and Sports said, "The Sport Writers Association of Thailand Awards 2021 is organized with the objective to recognize those who have won awards relating to sports and to praise successful athletes who have dedicated their physical and mental energy to develop the sports industry and brought fame to the nation. The award is also given to encourage youths to take part in sports which will help them stay away from the use of substance and enable them to give back to the country and to foster new athletes for the national team. I would like to congratulate all athletes who have been awarded this accolade, a symbol of recognition for your determination, dedication, and drive, as well as your endurance, sacrifice, and physical and mental energy that have allowed you to win competitions and bring fame to the country and even further recognition for our nation. Your success is a great pride for yourself and all the people of Thailand."

The Sport Writers Association of Thailand Awards 2021 was held after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 measures. A total of 22 awards were presented at the event, with the highlight being Second Lieutenant Chatchai-decha "Jao Sod" Butdee who received the Male Amateur Athlete Award for 16 years of service as a boxer in the Thailand National Team who competed in the semifinals in the 57 kg class at the Olympics 2020 and received the silver medal. Meanwhile, Pilot Officer Panipak "Tennis" Wongpattanakit, winner of the gold medal for taekwondo in the 49 kg class who won three big matches in a row received the Female Amateur Athlete Award.