President of International Sepaktakraw Federation gave speech at 2019 Asian Sepaktakraw Championship

Yutang Sports is honored to be granted the permission by the International Sepaktakraw Federation to publish President Charouck Arirachakaran's speech at the 2019 Asian Sepaktakraw Championship. Here is the complete speech:

I sincerely welcome everyone to the Asian Sepaktakraw Championship, held in Kunming, China from June 10 to 14 2019. You will be fortunate to witness a world-class event, which is also the effort of the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation to raise Sepaktakraw to a higher level. Participants from different countries who share our commitments will send their best athletes and officials to provide the audience with several exciting sports competitions. The event is also aimed at building a platform for participants to regain friendship and improve their skills.

The Asian Sepaktakraw Technical Team played an important role in demonstrating leadership and guidance, making Sepaktakraw a popular sport in Asia and ultimately gaining international recognition.

On this occasion, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the China National Olympic Committee for taking the lead in the organization of the Kunming 2019 Asian Sepaktakraw Championship. With the experience of the Asian Games held in 1990 and 2010, and the Sepaktakraw World Cup held in Hulunbeier in Inner Mongolia in November 2018, I believe that the organizers of this competition will certainly achieve great achievements.

I am proud to tell you that the Asian Sepaktakraw Championship has received the support from of a total of 27 men's and women's teams from 17 countries for the first time. I would like to extend my best wishes to all the participants, including Chinese athletes and officials. I hope that you will continue to perform well in the competition and respect the reputation of the game of Sepaktakraw by respecting the Rules of the Game. This event is also dedicated to cultivating sportsmanship, mutual help and deep friendship among athletes.

I sincerely thank Mr. Chen Yingbiao, Director of the Multi Ball Games Administrative Center, General Administration of Sports of China and his Deputy Director Ms Zhao Liping, Wang Xi-Liang, Mayor of Kunming, and the sponsor of the competition, Mr. Zhang Ruming, Vice Chairman of the 2019  Asian Sepaktakraw Championship Organizing Committee and his team, staff and volunteers, and all the people supporting the 2019 Asian Sepaktakraw Championship.

Finally, the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) together with the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF) jointly worked to ensure the success of this competition. I sincerely thank you and best wishes to all.

Reference: Yutang Sports

Proofread by Raymond Fitzpatrick