The Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT) has yielded to a request from the country’s top women’s singles player, Pornpawee Chochuwong, by appointing former national player Tesana Panvisavas as team manager for the upcoming 33rd SEA Games next month.
Earlier, Pornpawee, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, called for changes within the BAT’s Athlete Development Division and demanded new management for the SEA Games squad, holding the association accountable for the recent deduction of training allowances.
The 27-year-old shuttler claimed she had not received any notice from the association regarding the mandatory physical fitness test required by the Sports Authority of Thailand, which led to her allowances being cut.
On Tuesday, the BAT met with relevant parties to discuss the issue before agreeing to appoint experienced coach Tesana as the new team manager for the SEA Games squad.
“We invited coaches from clubs whose athletes are part of the SEA Games team to consult on the issue. It was a pre-arranged meeting, not an urgent one called under pressure. I looked into the matter as soon as I became aware of it,” said BAT president Air Chief Marshal Monthon Satchukorn.
“With regard to the Athlete Development Division, we have not yet made an official appointment. Some board members have resigned, and we are still looking for replacements. For now, the outgoing members are temporarily handling their duties.
“As for the SEA Games team manager position, it is under the Development Division’s mandate to appoint a suitable candidate. I took the opportunity to discuss it with all parties involved. After receiving various suggestions, we decided to appoint Tesana, head coach of the SCG Badminton Academy, as team manager for this year’s SEA Games.”
Thailand will host the regional multi-sport event from December 9 to 20 in Bangkok, Chon Buri, and Songkhla.
