Opening Ceremony of the 50th University Games of Thailand “Thammasat Games”

Friday 10 January 2025

     Thammasat University held a grand opening ceremony for the 50th National University Sports Competition, “Thammasat Games 2025,” under the theme "Unity of Diversity, Victory for All." This event seeks to leverage sports as a means to unite educational institutions by bringing together students from nationwide to collaboratively establish a society rooted in equality. It presents a valuable opportunity to cultivate a network of cooperation among higher education institutions across the country, focusing on both athletics and academics, in order to collectively advance sustainable national development. This year, more than 10,000 athletes and participants are involved.

     The sports competition is held from January 9 to 18, 2025, at Thammasat University, Rangsit Center, featuring 37 sports and competing for up to 372 medals. Live broadcast is on AIS PLAY with a full offering of 9 special channels in FULL HD, allowing all Thai networks to watch live for free, along with highlights and re-runs.

     Ms. Supamas Isarapakdee, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, representing the Prime Minister, stated that the 50th Thailand University Games, known as "Thammasat Games," serves as an important platform to promote health and unity among Thai students nationwide. It is also a valuable opportunity to showcase athletic potential, while fostering the spirit of teamwork, respect for rules and regulations, and appreciation of diversity. This aligns with the concept of Unity of Diversity, Victory for All, reflecting the commitment of all sectors to drive towards a society that is equitable and inclusive, where everyone participates in propelling the nation forward sustainably.

     Professor Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn, the Rector of Thammasat University, stated that the sports competition will be held from January 9 to 18, 2025, at Thammasat University, Rangsit Center. A total of 37 sports will be organized, including athletics, swimming, football, volleyball, basketball, badminton, sepak takraw, taekwondo, futsal, tennis, rugby, handball, hockey, softball, korfball, jujitsu, karate, pencak silat, hapkido, table tennis, equestrian, petanque, esports, fencing, amateur boxing, golf, shooting, disc throw, orienteering, crossword, bridge, chess, Thai sword, and demonstration sports (woodball, squash, and kickboxing) under the motto of the competition “Unity of Diversity, Victory for All.”

     Professor Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn further stated that the opening ceremony of this year's Thammasat Games serves as a prism of society, organized grandly under the concept of “PRISM.” The sporting event reflects the diversity of athletes, faculty, administrators, and spectators both in the stands and at home. Each color and light that comes together possesses its own uniqueness and value, which, when united, transforms into pure white light, symbolizing a strong and powerful unity.

     Moreover, the opening ceremony is another significant highlight of the event that leaves a lasting impression on attendees, both through live broadcasts and in-person attendance at the venue. The ceremony commenced with a spectacular performance titled “Synchronize” by students from Thammasat University, followed by a parade featuring athletes from over 110 institutions nationwide, covering a distance of 500 meters. Each athlete carried their respective institutional flag while dressed in specially designed sports attire throughout the parade. Upon the completion of the parade, a representative athlete ignited the flame in the cauldron, symbolizing the official commencement of the competition, running through the domes of all four campuses of Thammasat University.

     The torch signifies the commencement of a competition imbued with the spirit of unity, commitment, and collaboration among all athletes and participants. Additionally, there is the mascot “Nong Dome,” which is inspired by the shape of ‘Mae Dome Tha Phra Chan,’ an iconic symbol of Thammasat University. This design conveys a personality that is friendly and vibrant, yet embodies strength, serving as a companion ready to drive a society where everyone understands one another.

     Ms. Phimnaree Noithammarat, Head of the AIS Brand Management Department, stated that AIS is ready to enhance the capabilities of the communication network for participants, athletes, officials, and even families attending the event at Thammasat University. Importantly, AIS serves to deliver the experience of watching the competitions on AIS PLAY as the sole Official Broadcaster. This marks the first time in the history of university sports competitions that live broadcasts will be available through a digital platform in FULL HD format, allowing all Thai viewers across networks to watch live for free, along with comprehensive highlights and replays on 9 special channels, featuring commentators for 12 different sports, accessible through all AIS PLAY channels.