The International Ice Hockey Federation has named the Queen of Thailand, Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, as the first IIHF Women’s Global Ambassador.
This unique moment was celebrated by playing an exhibition match between the women’s national teams of Thailand and China. Prior to the match, IIHF President Luc Tardif honoured Her Majesty with an honourary certificate, pin, and trophy. Afterward, both Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana and King Maha Vajiralongkorn were gifted official IIHF jerseys.
With a packed crowd at the Ice Hockey Arena in Bangkok, the highlight of the match would certainly be Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana suiting up for the Thai National Team. This would mark the first time Her Majesty, aged 46, played in a game for Thailand. The final score ended in a 6-6 tie against the Chinese team, who are ranked 14th in the world.
While it is not uncommon for politicians to support their country’s national teams, it is certainly rare to watch them throw on a jersey and compete. According to Garrett Zemlak, a coach in Thailand, “The Queen sometimes trains three times per week and will play scrimmages starting around midnight.” He continues to add that, “She really loves hockey and will skate with selected national team players until 3 a.m.”
There is no denying that this dedication to growing the sport of ice hockey in Thailand can help the country, along with those in the surrounding region, reach new heights. “Her Majesty’s commitment to promoting ice hockey, particularly among women, will inspire athletes from all over the world for generations to come,” says Tardif, who has the same beliefs as the prior statement.
Last season saw both Thailand’s men’s and women’s national teams earn historic promotions at the IIHF World Championship. The men swept through Division 3, Group A with five wins in five games and will debut in Division 2 in 2025. Their women made a first ever appearance at the World Championship and dominated the Division 3, Group B tournament with a 4-0-0-0 record and 20-1 goal differential, en route to a gold medal win.
Source: IIHF.com