Thailand's efforts to grow canoeing and nurture talents in Asia were evident again after the latest International Canoe Federation Canoe Sprint Talent Identification Programme camp.
Held at the Rayong Excellence Center from June 1 to 16, athletes went on to participate in the Asian Canoe Sprint Junior and U23 Championships towards the end, with many of them winning medals.
A total of 16 athletes from six countries – Vietnam, Tajikistan, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Cambodia, and Thailand – were guided by two ICF coaches and two local coordinators.
Head coach Nichita Sergan from Romania and Ong Kai Wen from Singapore, along with Thai coordinators Kritsana and Woraporn Boonyuhong, worked closely to deliver 23 training sessions over 11 days, working on technique, strength, speed and mobility.
Sessions also touched upon topics such as annual plan periodisation, warm-up, physical training, nutrition and recovery, with the Rowing and Canoeing Association of Thailand (RCAT) providing boats.
The level of technical skill was higher than usual as six TIP athletes from Tajikistan, Chinese Taipei, and Vietnam went on to win 12 medals, reflecting the progress in their development.
TIP athletes from Tajikistan and Cambodia were the only representatives from their countries at the continental event, showing how camps can help grow representation in the sport.
Thi Dieu Ngoc Ma and Thi Thanh Thuy Mac of Vietnam were among the stars, winning five medals between them, including three golds.
The duo won the junior women's canoe double 500m race, with Mac adding two more titles in the junior women's canoe single 500m and junior women's C1 200m.
Muhammadi Rajabov of Tajikistan cruised to the junior men's C1 1000m and C1 200m gold medals before combining with Fridavs Sharipov for a bronze medal in the junior men's C2 500m. Their compatriot Sultan Sharapiyev secured silver in the junior men's C1 500m.
Hsieh Chia-Cheng was involved in all of Chinese Taipei's medals, grabbing silver in the junior men's kayak single 1000m, bronze in junior men's K1 200m and teaming up with Tseng Li-Chen for the U23 mixed kayak double 500m silver.
“We are proud to witness the continued success of the TIP camps held at the Rayong Excellence Centre, with support from the Rowing and Canoeing Association of Thailand and their new and enthusiastic President Narupon Kirdnak,” said ICF Vice President Dr Cecilia Farias.
“The high level of professionalism and its status as a reliable partner have been instrumental in allowing us to plan and deliver world-class TIP camps.
“This collaboration not only strengthens the foundation of our sport across the region but also reflects the ICF’s commitment to providing quality opportunities for aspiring athletes globally.”
Asian Canoe Confederation President Chainarong Charoenruk said: “The venue is well-prepared and fully equipped with all necessary facilities for the participants of this year’s Canoe Sprint TIP camp.
“The RCAT has extensive experience in organising this camp, making the overall arrangement great.”
Following the success of the camp, the ICF is planning more in the future and one in 2026 with Thailand, China, and India all backing the initiative.
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