M.L. Krisada Kasemsant, President of the Ice Hockey Association of Thailand (IHAT), led Thailand’s national youth ice hockey players in the Under-14 and Under-16 age groups to pay respects to sacred shrines in front of Rajamangala National Stadium. The ceremony was held to seek blessings for good fortune and boost team morale ahead of their departure for international competitions in New Zealand and Australia.
The ceremony was also attended by Janista Liwchalermwong, team manager of both Thai national youth teams, who accompanied the players in paying their respects before preparing to compete in two major tournaments: the Pan Pacific Series in New Zealand and the One Hockey, 14th PEE WEE & BANTAM International Tournament 2026 in Australia.
M.L. Krisada Kasemsant stated that visiting the sacred shrines in front of Rajamangala National Stadium to seek blessings has been a longstanding tradition of the association, observed before Thai national ice hockey teams depart for international competitions. The tradition aims to boost the players’ morale and bring good fortune as they prepare to represent Thailand on the international stage.
Both youth teams are regarded as promising rising stars of the association and are expected to play an important role in the future development of Thai ice hockey. They also have the potential to progress to the senior national team in the years ahead. Through these competitions, the association hopes that every player will perform to the best of their abilities, gain valuable experience, and further develop their skills by competing against international opponents.
However, beyond the competition results, an even more important responsibility is for the players to serve as cultural ambassadors of Thailand, demonstrating sportsmanship, discipline, and friendship. Their conduct will help promote a positive image of Thailand and enhance the country's recognition on the global stage.
According to the competition schedule, Thailand’s youth ice hockey teams will participate in the Pan Pacific Series in New Zealand from October 29 to November 2, 2026, before traveling to Australia to compete in the One Hockey, 14th PEE WEE & BANTAM International Tournament 2026, scheduled for November 2–7, 2026.
The Thai youth ice hockey delegation aims to use these international tournaments as valuable opportunities to enhance their capabilities and bring recognition and pride to Thailand.
