Antecedents Influencing The Development Of Excellence Of Thai Athletes

Abstract

Sport has a significant impact on the country's social and economic growth. It is vital to have sports staff and a policy to drive sport towards excellence in order to create stability, prosperity, and sustainability. The objectives of this research were to; 1) study the level of development of excellence of Thai athletes in terms of club and sports associations activities, government policy, family activities, and motivation; 2) study the causal factors of club and sports association activities, government policy, family activities, and the aspect of motivation that influences the development of excellence of Thai athletes; and 3) propose a model for the development of excellence of Thai athletes. This research uses a mixed research method. It consists of quantitative research and qualitative research. In quantitative research, stratified random sampling from undergraduate students of National Sports University in central region of Thailand was used. The sample size was determined using the criteria 20 times of 20 empirical variables. The sample was 400 people. The tool used to collect data was a questionnaire. Use the Structural Equation Model to analyze the data. The qualitative research used in-depth interviews with 15 key informants with content analysis. The results of the research showed that;  1) the development of excellence of Thai athletes in terms of club and sports associations activities, government policy, family activities, and motivation was high importance in all aspects; 2) club and sports associations activities had the greatest influence on the development of excellence, of Thai athletes, followed by government policies, then motivation and family activities, respectively; and 3) The model of development of excellence of Thai athletes  was obtained, and it resembles a chart. It comprises of the club and sports associations activities, which were the most influencer as the bottom pushing base. Government policy and motivation were bolstered in the center, while family activities were aided in their promotion at the top. Furthermore, the development of excellence of Thai athletes should strive for perfection in order to win competition at all levels. It boosts the country's economy, serves as a symbol of national reconciliation, and exemplifies honorable sportsmanship. The results of this study can be used for amateur and professional athletes, sports personnel, sports-related organizations for benefit, by improve athletes' physical and mental capacities, and sports-related government agencies good management is required for the excellence of athletes to win a great victory in the competition and have an impact on the country's prestige and economy.