The tournament, which will be the last competition for weightlifters to accumulate points and book slots in the Olympics, will have over 1,0000 athletes from 167 countries.

With just eight months to go for the event, the weightlifting body doesn't have the financial support to cover the expenditure anticipated to exceed Bt 100 million.

"We are still looking for assistance from both the private and public sectors to sponsor this tournament,'' said Tawa consultant Intarat Yodbangtoey.

Tawa was named the 2006 best sports association on the National Sports Day after its lifters won two gold in the World Junior Championships in Guangzhou, one gold in the Asian Games by stalwart Pawina Thongsuk and a gold by Wandee Kameaim in the World Championships in Santo Domingo.

Pawina, Wandee and Aree Viratthaworn, the 2004 Olympics bronze medallist, will carry the Thai hopes.

"The very thought of the tournament being held in Thailand will inspire us to greater deeds,'' said Pawina, who won a gold in the Asian Games in Doha. It was the first weightlifting gold for Thailand.

Each country is eligible to field lifters in only four categories in the Olympics. Tawa will announce its line-up based on the performances of its lifters in the World Championships.

Thailand won the bid to host the Championships after warding off the challenge from USA, Poland, and Austria.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation