Thailand set for Olympic dream tilt in China

Thailand Women’s Sevens Team Captain Piyamat Chomphumee has given her thoughts on this weekend’s Olympic Games qualification tournament in China.

Thailand are in a pool alongside Kazakhstan, Singapore and the Philippines and will be aiming to join Japan in the 12-team tournament next year in Tokyo.

“We are taking it very seriously,” said Chomphumee. “Our team has given everything into this preparation.

“We have been to RWC sevens in Dubai back in 2009 so this is very big step up for this team to make it to the Olympic Games but we are hoping to achieve this this weeknd.”

Thailand are coached by former All Blacks Sevens star Lote Raikabula and have progressively improved over the past few seasons.

Their continued preparation has left them in good shape ahead of the tournament.

“So far so good,” added Chomphumee. “We feel that we are almost ready to go we just need to get some small details right and believe that we can do it.”

With the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year following the Rugby World Cup in Japan Asia has been the central point for rugby over the past few years.

This has already had a huge impact on the region which will only continue with the Olympics next year.

“The next stage is growing up.

“Rugby World Cup 2019 really got all of Asia aware of rugby. There are a lot of people now that want to start playing rugby so it will be massive spring board.

“It will only do good to Asia. I am so proud to have the Olympic Games here in Asia. It is a good opportunity to grow all kind of sports in Asia not just rugby.”

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The men’s qualifiers will be hosted by Korea Rugby Union In Incheon South Korea on the 23rd to the 24th of November

Where to watch: The Women’s Qualifiers will be live-streamed on the Asia Rugby Facebook page @Asia.rugby

Thailand squad: Thanachporn Wandee, Uthumporn Liamrat, Rattanaporn Wittayaronnayut, Piyamat Chomphumee, Chitchanok Yusri, Wannaree Meechok, Butsaya Bunrak, Supansa Phaiphimai, Thanapron Huankid, Laksina Mawakaew, Tidarat Sawatnam, Chayatip Kuabpimai