BANGKOK (Thailand) - By the time you read this, the Thailand national team will already be in Bahrain. They embarked upon this journey in search of their first FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers win, after suffering a loss to Korea in the first window. Getting a win in Bahrain would greatly improve their chances of qualifying for FIBA Asia Cup 2021, which could be an inspiration for the young generation of Thai ballers.

However, just by traveling from Bangkok to Bahrain, the team is already blazing a unique trail by being the first sports team in Thailand to compete abroad since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Basketball Sport Association of Thailand (BSAT) had their initial concerns, but have also carefully proceeded through the entire process to make sure that the team will be safe and healthy.

“I’m happy that our basketball team is able to compete in what is the most important competition in Asia and use this opportunity as a model for other sports to follow,” -Nipondh Chavalitmontien (BSAT President

“For Thailand to have to travel abroad for the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in the bubble format in Bahrain, even with the strict protocols, we had our worries at the beginning,” said Nipondh Chavalitmontien, BSAT President. “We were the first team sport in Thailand to request for permission to proceed further to compete abroad from the government and for the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT).”

“Eventually, the government gave us permission to move forward which led to us being the model for other sports that might be looking into participating in international competitions.”

This will not be the first time basketball has paved the way for sports in light of the current COVID-19 situation. Earlier in the year, basketball was also among one of the first sports to resume action in organized competitions.

“Ever since the beginning of the COVID-19 situation, basketball was one of the first sports in Thailand to start playing. There were no fans in the stands as per the strict regulations and protocols set by the government and SAT, but it was successfully done for the benefit of basketball in Thailand.”

Now that the first hurdle of traveling to the site of the competition has been overcome, the focus for Thailand instead turns to their on-court performance.

“Our players are ready up to a certain level,” said Chavalitmontien.

Thailand are scheduled to play against rivals Indonesia on November 28 and the Philippines on November 30.

“Indonesia are very strong, especially with the new additions to their team,” Chavalitmontien assessed. “The Philippines are always strong as well, no matter who they put in the lineup.”

Getting wins in this window is the main goal for Thailand, but there’s also much more to be achieved in the bigger picture.

“I’m happy that our basketball team is able to compete in what is the most important competition in Asia and use this opportunity as a model for other sports to follow, whether it is by studying or receiving suggestions and advice, in competing in international competitions abroad,” Chavalitmontien said.

“Lastly, its been a pleasure to fight through this COVID-19 situation with the FIBA family and we hope that everyone will be healthy and happy.”

FIBA