In an electrifying send-off ceremony that echoed with determination and pride, Khon Kaen University rallied behind its largest-ever contingent of athletes heading to the prestigious “Thammasat Games.” The golden afternoon of January 6, 2025, saw over 500 passionate athletes, coaches, and support staff gather at the Faculty of Agriculture, their hearts beating in unison with Olympic-sized dreams.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, KKU’s President, delivered a stirring address that transcended mere competition. “This isn’t just about medals,” he declared, “It’s about forging bonds that will last a lifetime and showcasing the indomitable spirit of KKU on a national stage. Winning or losing is not the main focus; what matters is playing with sportsmanship, adhering to rules, and embracing the spirit of ‘Unity of Diversity, Victory for All.’”
In an impressive show of force, KKU is fielding 366 athletes, 99 sports staff, and 50 committee members, totaling 515 participants across 28 sporting disciplines, from the explosive power of athletics to the strategic intensity of e-sports. Asst. Prof. Dr. Kurusart Konharn, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations, revealed that this year’s games would be the largest in history, bringing together over 25,000 participants from 124 institutions competing for 422 coveted medals.
KKU will compete in 28 sports, including athletics, hockey, golf, swimming, softball, shooting, volleyball, jiu-jitsu, frisbee, basketball, karate, crossword, badminton, hapkido, bridge, sepak takraw, amateur boxing, A-Math, taekwondo, fencing, chess, tennis, table tennis, Thai sword fighting, rugby football, pétanque, handball, and e-sports.
The human spirit of the games was perfectly captured by Ms. Pantila Panbook, a rising basketball star from KKU’s College of Local Administration. “Every dribble, every shot, every moment on the court is a chance to make our university proud” she shared, her eyes gleaming with determination. “The motivational speech from the President, Vice President, and staff today was heartwarming and energizing. For me, sports have taught discipline, self-awareness, and time management. The KKU women’s basketball team aims to reach the top 8. To all athletes, regardless of the outcome, give it your all and aim for victory in every event.”
As KKU’s warriors prepare to march into the battlegrounds of Thammasat University’s Rangsit Campus, they carry with them not just the hopes of their institution, but the embodiment of the games’ powerful motto: “Unity of Diversity, Victory for All.”
The competition kicks off tomorrow, January 7, 2025, promising twelve days of spectacular sporting action. Supporters can follow KKU’s journey to glory through live updates on the official KKU Athletes Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063610446936) .