Eighteen Lao badminton players depart for Bangkok , Thailand , today to gain experience before the 25th SEA Games in December.
Lao Badminton Team Manager, Mr Somsaveng Sengsilavong, said yesterday the squad will train with Thai national badminton players as part of preparations for the games.
The team, which is also the squad for the SEA Games, will return to Laos on November 2 to start final preparations at the badminton arena at the National Sports Complex.
“These athletes were selected from 30 players after the Lao International Challenge in August,” Mr Somsaveng said.
The Lao Badminton Federation has sent its players to train and compete in Korea and Vietnam this year. Competition results were not so good because the squad lacks international experience and struggled against stronger opponents.
“We're just aiming to gain as much experience as possible at the international level. The federation has organised some local level events in the lead-up to the games,” he said.
The federation reported that the squad is only 80-90 percent ready for the games, so they will have to train extra hard upon their return home as there will then be only one month left before the games begin.
“The players have pledged to do their best and try to win medals for the nation. They also want to encourage people to come along and cheer for them during the games,” Mr Somsaveng.
One national player, Mr Yothin Latsavong, is hopeful of winning a medal at the games. He competed in the Badminton World Championship 2009 in India from August 10-16.
He said it was a good opportunity and he gained much experience from the high quality international event.
Mr Yothin also competed in the Suwon Badminton Asia Championship 2009 in Korea last March.
In the first round of the championship he beat his opponent from Uzbekistan 2-0, but lost to a Thai opponent 0-2 in the second round.
He said his experiences at the international level have boosted his confidence in his quest to win a medal when his nation hosts the games in December.
By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes
