One of the delegations present in Astana has stood out throughout the three days of competition, two days of individual contests and a third day dedicated to the team competition. Thailand’s young team were incredibly unified, the coaches very present and focused, ensuring every detail was managed in the best way possible for the team to thrive both on and off the tatami. The team’s adherence to the most essential human values of kindness and collective encouragement was clear for all to see.
Head coach of the Thai Paralympic judo team, Mr Thaweesak Phankummoon was happy to speak about their philosophy and goals, “We have medals from many of the major Para-judo tournaments and so the team has been developing well. We had one representative at the Paris Paralympic Games too, in the J1M -60 kg category. This time, in Astana, we have a very new team, most of them are just 15 to 16 years old. We are aiming at the Los Angeles Games with them."
"In my life away from the tatami I am a school teacher in Chonburi and have been for 30 years, so it’s the same mentality I apply at school and on the tatami. The aim is to nurture the judoka, concentrating on their development. It’s important to be strict with them too when they are young so that they can cope with all things as a senior athlete. We provide limits and guidance but all with the aim of helping them develop.”
During the warm-up each day, the team could be found on the main competition tatami, working in a systematic way to enable each judoka to practise ukemi, uchi-komi, gripping, nage-komi and more, all in a safe way that gave them freedom to move without risk. The team coaches guided the athletes with clapping and voice to ensure they didn’t stray to the edge of the mats and they encouraged independence without losing the team spirit. Their positive, functional, developmental approach is feeding the capability of the team; a great example for others in the environment.
“We believe they will grow in judo over the next two and a half years and will have a great adherence to discipline across all aspects of their training and lifestyle. At this time, in this period, it’s ok for them to lose as long as the heart is fighting. These athletes are doing that, sometimes winning, sometimes losing, but always fighting with all they have. We have no problems with this team. They may be teenagers but they already understand what is required; they are using their free time wisely as young athletes.”
Mr Phankummoon speaks with humility and affection, committed to a mix of discipline and kindness and looks forward to the remainder of this Paralympic cycle with a team that has a great deal of potential.