The 2024 International Canoe Federation Canoe Polo World Championships in Deqing marked the historic debut of Thailand on the global stage.
Despite results not going their way, the Southeast Asian nation's team leader Kasant Atibodhi said that the flagship event is a learning curve and a chance to develop their skills.
The transition from practicing in plastic boats to facing the best in the world in carbon fibre and state-of-the-art equipment has been a rewarding experience, according to Atibodhi.
“It’s exciting to participate in the World Championships because, in Thailand, the sport is not widely popular,” he said.
“It's a pleasure as the athletes got to see what an elite competition looks like. It is also nice to observe other teams and how they play. It motivates us.”
Before arriving in Deqing as a special invitee with support from the local Organising Committee, the squad trained for three months near Pattaya.
With support from the Rowing and Canoeing Association of Thailand, Iranian coach and Asian champion Ali Reza Abeshzadeh was brought in to help prepare for the World Championships.
The players, who are all from Canoe Slalom backgrounds, have had experience at the Asian Championships in Singapore last year.
However, Thailand has not yet managed to win a game in Deqing. The positive, though, has been the performance of Sunjan Suchanat, who has scored eight goals and is among the top 20 in the U21 women's category.
Atibodhi said that Canoe Polo is mostly seen as a demonstration activity in Thailand, with no league structure and only seven clubs.
He highlighted the need for regular training and structured competitions to cultivate the potential that exists within the sport.
“We have a lot of athletes with potential, but we need more support to help them thrive,” he said.
“Hosting an event in Thailand would be incredibly beneficial for us.
“It would give our athletes the chance to gain valuable game time and experience.”
With one more match remaining against Singapore tomorrow, the Thai team is hoping to finish on a high.
They have no plans to rest, and the focus will immediately turn to the 2025 Asian Championships in Malaysia, with Atibodhi saying that reaching the quarterfinals would be a realistic goal to set.
“It is an honour to represent your country. I want to finalise plans for it as soon as possible so that we land in Malaysia with confidence.”
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