Arun, 36, won a gold medal at the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok, and like a good red wine, has improved with age.

"I will try to prove that if you keep yourself fit physically, your life can start at 36," said Arun.

"My physical conditions is quite okay, despite the fact that I have been absent for one year from training. I just resumed training in recent months. Still, I think a medal could be within my reach," added Arun, who won a silver medal in South Korea.

"If the wind is ideal and with my experience, I'm convinced I can win the gold. This is my last Asian Games, I will do everything to make it my swansong."

Arun was furious yesterday after learning that parts of his windsurfer which reached him on Sunday were below standard. He hit the board in anger.

"It [the board] is far from what I require," he said. "I had to tune it to make sure it won't affect my performance during the competition. I don't like to waste time adjusting things."

Meanwhile, team manager Watchara Vijitrhong said the weather conditions in Doha were uncertain.

"It rained here two days ago. The wind is lower than 10 knots, which is not that ideal for Thai windsurfers. We need more wind to sail well in Doha. We need a 20-knot wind," said Watchara.

"The windsurfing competition kicks off on December 5, His Majesty the King's birthday. I think it's an auspicious day for Thai windsurfers to make a good start."

Preechachan  Wiriyanupappong

The Nation

Doha