The 41st Thai University Staff Sports Competition, the “Tumpang Games,” has officially begun. Walailak University, as the host, presented a stunning opening ceremony with a spectacular display of lights, colors, and sound under the theme “Power of Spirit,” reflecting the true spirit of athletes—knowing victory, accepting defeat, and showing forgiveness.
This evening (May 3, 2025), Ms. Woraporn Rungtrakan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), presided over the opening ceremony. Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, Mr. Witya Kiewrod, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Associate Professor Dr. Chusit Pradabphet, Chairman of the Thai University Sports Committee (TUSC), and Associate Professor Dr. Chanchai Suksuwan, Chair of the Subcommittee on Promoting Elite Sports, TUSC, attended the event along with athletes and staff from 59 universities nationwide at the Tumpang Central Stadium, Walailak University, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Ms. Woraporn Rungtrakan expressed her pleasure and honor in opening the 41st Thai University Staff Sports “Tumpang Games.” She emphasized that sports are widely recognized as a medium for fostering relationships, understanding, and unity among colleagues. The Ministry of Higher Education has continuously supported this initiative to promote the physical, mental, emotional, social, and intellectual well-being of staff while strengthening camaraderie and good relations among personnel from universities across the country.
She further advised athletes to remember that competitions involve both successes and setbacks, influenced by multiple factors. She urged participants to display true sportsmanship, using sports as a means to foster friendship rather than disrupt harmony, and to always know how to win, lose, and forgive.
Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong noted that Walailak University has had the honor of hosting the staff sports competition twice before: in 2006 and 2012. This year, 2025, marks the third time hosting the 41st “Tumpang Games.” The university has been thoroughly preparing the sports facilities, which meet official standards, and has continuously planned to elevate the quality and cooperation for hosting national and international sports events.
He wished all participants success in organizing the competition according to its objectives and hoped the event would reflect the true spirit of athletes—knowing victory, accepting defeat, and forgiving, while fostering teamwork, friendship, joy, and unity among university staff across Thailand.
The opening ceremony ran from 3:00–6:30 PM at Tumpang Central Stadium. Prior to the official opening, a torch relay began from Tha Sala District Office to the stadium, involving the university president, district chief, local administrative leaders, government and private sector executives, and athletes of Walailak University. The torch was finally handed to Mr. Pradorn Jeenchawna, a university staff member and former national tennis player who has competed in the Davis Cup, to light the ceremonial flame, marking the official start of the competition.
The host also presented a spectacular highlight performance under the theme “Tumpang, the Root of Nakhon Walai,” symbolizing the university’s prosperity rooted in its ancient local community. This tribute to the past left a lasting impression on all attendees.
The competition will see over 7,000 athletes competing for 426 gold medals across 17 sports disciplines. Spectators are welcome to enjoy the events at Walailak University.
