IOC visits Thailand to assess Olympic bid

The Youth Olympic Games working group, led by Danka Eubegova, was welcomed to the 'Land of Smiles 'on Monday by Preecha Lalun, deputy governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand for Elite Sports and Sports Science, as they began the three-day evaluation process. 

Dr Suwanna Silpa-archa, vice president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand; Dr Chuenchonok Siriwat, deputy secretary general of the NOC, Sports Directors Rattapol Phaingam and Akrapol Phuengporn, also accompanied the delegation. 

The International Olympic Committee delegation will hold working sessions and conduct site inspections, assessing Thailand's vision, governance structures and operational plans as part of the Targeted Dialogue phase. Embodying the vision 'Inspiring Youth, Connecting Southeast Asia and Asia', Thailand's bid will link sport, education, culture and urban life. Bangkok is positioned as the main host city, with competition clusters centred on Hua Mak Sports Complex and Chulalongkorn University, while Chon Buri is proposed for coastal and outdoor sports.

The delegation has so far been presented with the proposed Youth Olympic Village, which will utilise the university's student dormitories at the heart of the city, and well-connected to the other areas, such as Urban Park at Chulalongkorn University Square.

Pimol Srivikorn, president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, said last week that he believes that the Asian nation is presenting a strong and credible bid. "We are committed to presenting a powerful vision to the IOC to deliver an outstanding Youth Olympic Games." Thailand has hosted major international competitions, including the FIVB Volleyball Women's Nations League, Asian Beach Games, and last year's Southeast Asian Games. "Building on the success of the SEA Games, hosting the Youth Olympic Games would be an important opportunity for Thailand to showcase its capability to stage a world-class event, while giving Thai athletes the chance to compete in front of the Thai public," Preecha Laloon, deputy governor of SAT, explained ahead of the IOC visit. 

The dedicated YOG Working Group will select the host in June, while tasked with looking into the potential and relevance of the Games for young athletes to improve on future editions. Other contenders to host include Asunción, Paraguay and Santiago, Chile. The three bidders are expected to present official guarantees, detailed questionnaires and risk assessments, all under principles of cost reduction, responsible resource use and a youth-centred sporting experience.