Tawa president Maj Gen Intarat Yodbangtoey said yesterday that the decision was made because the Asian Games in Doha are only two months after the world meet. Their fear was that if Pawina competed in the world meet, she might fail to make a mark at the Asian Games, where she has never won a gold medal.

"It does not mean she is unfit nor suffering from any injury," he said. "I know she can make it to the top of the world again as she did in Doha last year.

"However, after taking the issue into consideration, we decided not to send her to the world meet. Instead, she will focus mainly on the Asian Games," added Intarat.

Pawina won the women's 69kg gold medal at last year's World Championships in Doha. She also fared well at the Asian Championships in Dubai last year, where she won the gold medal in the same weight category.

The 26-year-old from Surin burst into prominence in 2004 when she won the women's 75kg crown at the Athens Olympics.

"The world-class event will kick off ahead of the Asian Games," said Intarat. "Competing in the world meet is likely to affect her preparations for December's Asian Games. If we send her to compete in both tournaments, she might fail in both meets.

"We decided to choose only one tournament and we unanimously agreed that it should be the Asian Games since she has yet to win a gold medal there.

"Instead, we will be fielding rising stars at the world meet to give them valuable experience," he added.

Before taking part in the Asian Games, Pawina and her team-mates will represent Thailand at the World University Games Weightlifting Championships in Turkey from June 30 to July 2.

The Tawa will also send young stars Netiya Seusat and Khanittha Petanang to the Asian Junior Weightlifting Championships in South Korea from July 26-30.

Somporn Suphop

The Nation