Walailak University, in collaboration with the Thai Senior Sepak Takraw Association under Royal Patronage and the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Sports Association, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to organize the 5th “Youth Honda Union Cup” Sepak Takraw Tournament, competing for the Royal Trophy of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, from May 22-28, 2024, at the Physical Education Building, Walailak University.

On April 29, 2024, Prof. Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, Acting President of Walailak University, along with Mr. Wiradet Sompita, President of the Thai Senior Sepak Takraw Association under Royal Patronage, and Mr. Detchlop Simsiri, Secretary-General of the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Sports Association, signed an academic collaboration agreement among Walailak University, the Thai Senior Sepak Takraw Association under Royal Patronage, and the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Sports Association. The purpose is to exchange experiences, share information, and build networks for organizing both national and international sepak takraw competitions. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Mr. Trairat Chairat, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Asst. Prof. Dr. Marisa Phumipak Na Nongkhai, Acting Director of the Center for Cultural Promotion and Sports at Walailak University, Mrs. Auypon Sri Chaowalit, Member of Parliament for Nakhon Si Thammarat Province (District 9), Mr. Apinan Chaowalit, President of Tha Sala Subdistrict Administrative Organization, as well as executives and staff from all three parties, distinguished guests, and media representatives. The ceremony was held at the Honorary Room, Chulabhorn Hospital, Walailak University Medical Center.

In the press conference following the signing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong stated that Walailak University places great importance on various sports-related missions. The university has been honored to host competitions at the university, association, and national levels continuously. Recently, the university co-organized an international tennis tournament. Walailak University is pleased to support the event by providing competition venues, facilities, and sports personnel to promote and support academic and professional knowledge development.

“We have a clear policy to collaborate with various sports associations in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Sepak takraw is a sport that Thai people love, and this tournament is expected to provide our youth with valuable experience and the opportunity to learn about national-level competition. Importantly, stakeholders will witness the talents of young sepak takraw players, who are the future hopes of Thailand’s national team,” Prof. Dr. Sombat said.

Mr. Wiradet Sompita added that this tournament is the result of cooperation from various network partners. The goal is to develop sepak takraw skills among youth and the public, encourage both the public and private sectors to participate in preserving sepak takraw as the national sport, and help elevate the standards of related industries and businesses. The event also aims to promote sports tourism and recreation. We would like to thank Walailak University for providing the standard competition venue. This year is special, as it will feature hundreds of athletes from South Korea and Malaysia. We expect around 3,500 participants, including athletes, officials, and parents, to join this event.

The 5th “Youth Honda Union Cup” Sepak Takraw Tournament for 2024 will be held from May 22-28, 2024, at the Physical Education Building, Walailak University, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The competition will feature eight age categories: 18 years (both male and female, competing for the Royal Trophy), 12 years (male-female), 14 years (male-female), 16 years (male-female), 21 years (male-female), and senior categories of 45-50 years, 50-55 years, and 60 years and above.