Pattaya Daily News

Published : May 16, 2010 :: 12:05:55 [ 2,129 views ]

The 7th International Arm-Wrestling Championships were held in Pattaya on Saturday. Over 80 competitors, both Thai and foreign, were in attendance to compete for the Pattaya Mayor Cup in three separate weight divisions.

Pattaya, the 15^th of May 2010 [PDN]: The tournament, held at Pattaya’s Royal Garden Plaza, was opened by Pattaya City Mayor Itthiphol Khunpluem. The competition is considered the first international arm-wrestling event to have been held in Thailand in accordance with world standards. Over 80 foreign and Thai competitors, the biggest showing in the tournaments 7 year history, attended the event to show off their strength against some of the top athletes in the sport.

Royal Garden Plaza General Manager Mr. Somphorn Naksutrong revealed that the competition would this year be divided into three weight divisions; sub 75kg, 75-85kg and the ‘big boys’ arranged in the 85+ weight category. First prize for the winner of each weight division was Bt15,000 and the honorary Pattaya Mayor Cup whilst all three runners-up received Bt5,000.

After a tough night of contesting, with several surprises particularly in the lower weight division, the competition winners were; Mr. Aphichat Somprasert in the -75kg division, Mr. Aphichat Somprasert in the 75-85kg division and Mr. Witthaya Meemui in the +85kg division, also a previous winner of the event. This years event also saw the inclusion of a novelty ‘overweight division’ which was won by fan favourite Mr. Jason as well as the popular Mr. Iron Man Award which went to Mr. Joseph. The gathered fans also got their chance to vote for their favourite contestant of the competition with hardman ‘Hammer’ winning the popularity contests.

The Pattaya International Arm-Wrestling Championships are considered an extremely popular tourist attraction for the city, evident by the large turnout of both local and foreign tourists in attendance on the night. The competition also gives competitors, who are primarily bodybuilders, a chance to compete against some of the sports toughest competitors, both nationally and internationally. The winner of each weight division also gets the added publicity of being eligible to compete at the highly regarded international arm-wrestling championships overseas.

The Pattaya International Arm-Wrestling Championships also significantly aid the community by helping to promote an anti-drug campaign, encouraging children to become more involved in sports and extracurricular activities.

Reporter: Wanida
Photographer: Wanida

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Type : Sports News

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