January 22, 2023 at the sports center of Rajabhat University Udon Thani – Assoc. Prof. Piansak Pakdee, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relation and Assoc. Prof. Jaroonsak Pantawisit, Ph.D., Director of the Sports Division of Khon Kaen University as the leader of KKU sportsmen led the team of Khon Kaen University’s athletes to join the opening ceremony of the 48th Thai University Games, the “Dok Jan Ban Chiang Games”. The opening ceremony was presided over by Dr. Danuch Tanthoedthit, Secretary of the Minister of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), who delivered the opening speech. Mr. Wanchai Khongkasem, Udon Thani Governor gave the welcoming speech to all participants. Among distinguished attendants were Assoc. Prof. Pasit Loteerapong, Ph.D., MHESI Deputy Permanent Secretary; Assoc. Prof. Watcharin Kasalag, Ph.D., President of Burapa University and Chairman of Thailand University Sports Administration Committee; Presidents of 122 universities, Administrative Heads of Udon Thani Official Organizations; distinguished guests; subsidizers; news correspondents; the athletes; students and Udon Thani people.
The 48th Thai University Games is hosted by Rajabhat University Udon Thani, as assigned by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation and Thailand University Sports Administration Committee. The Game this year is called, “Dok Jan Ban Chiang Games” following the provincial flower, Dok Thong Kwaw or Dok Jan in the local dialect and the over 5,000-year ancient civilization resource and a world heritage of Ban Chiang. The philosophy of this game is “Spirit of the Games: the greatest victory is the spirit of the athletes”. Under this philosophy, all universities in Thailand unite together, and what is above the victory is friendship and unity. Besides, “Khun Thong Boran”, the mascot of Udon Thani Province is used as the Game’s mascot, illustrating lucks. The “48th Thai University Games” is scheduled from January 21 until January 20, 2023. There are 35 types of games at the competition. The event this year is joined by 122 universities, with over 30,000 athletes and universities’ officers. Khon Kaen University submits 316 players to compete in 26 types of games, with 92 supporting staff mems and 60 committee members responsible in different parts, totaling 468 people.
The opening ceremony featured very colorful and magnificent performances of art and culture, by relating the story of the outstanding identities of Udon Thani Province, including Ban Chiang the world heritage, belief and faith in the Great Naga, the famous tourism sports such as Kham Chanod and Red Lotus Lake. There were beautiful parades that led the sports players into the sports arena to say the words of oath. Then an athlete ran with the Game Torch into the field to light the fire signaling the opening of the event. Finally, the Game Flag was presented to Kasetsat University to be the host of the 49th Thai University Games under the name “Non See Games”, which is to be held in 2024 at Kasetsat University Kamphaengsaen Campus.
News: Sports Promotion Unit of the Division of Sports, “Dok Jan Ban Chiang Games” Page
Photos: Piyawat Thuengpatcha and Kunakorn Maneenet
