Bangkok, Thailand | 10 July 2026: The Woodball Association of India (WAI) delegation, along with India’s medal-winning athletes from the IWbF University Woodball Championship 2026, paid a courtesy call on Ms. Paulami Tripathi, Hon’ble Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM), Embassy of India, Bangkok, on 10 July 2026.
During the meeting, the delegation briefed the Hon’ble DCM on Team India’s performance at the IWbF University Woodball Championship 2026 held in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Special recognition was accorded to Mr. Subhash Budiya and Mr. Banshi Lal, who won the Bronze Medal in the Men’s Doubles Event, bringing international honours to India.
Ms. Paulami Tripathi congratulated the medal winners, coach, and officials for their remarkable achievement and appreciated their dedication, discipline, and commitment towards the sport. She encouraged the athletes to continue striving for excellence and wished them every success in their future endeavours, expressing confidence that they would continue to bring greater laurels to the nation.
The delegation also shared the Woodball Association of India’s vision for the promotion and development of Woodball across the country and its continued efforts to strengthen India’s presence in international competitions.
The Woodball Association of India expressed its sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Deputy Chief of Mission for her valuable time, warm hospitality, and encouraging interaction, which served as a great source of inspiration for the entire Indian contingent.
The Association also conveyed its heartfelt appreciation to Mr. B.K. Lalit Kumar, PPS, Embassy of India, Bangkok, for his prompt assistance and excellent coordination in facilitating the meeting.
The meeting was attended by Adv. Sudeep Manwatkar, CEO, Woodball Association of India; Ms. Arpita Krishna Gupta, Coach of the Indian University Woodball Team; officials of the Woodball Association of India; and the medal-winning athletes Mr. Subhash Budiya and Mr. Banshi Lal.
Congratulating the delegation on this achievement, Dr. Ashish Deshmukh, President, Woodball Association of India and Hon’ble MLA, stated that the recognition and encouragement extended by the Embassy of India, Bangkok, would further motivate Indian athletes to excel on the global stage. He reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent and expanding the reach of Woodball across India.
The Woodball Association of India remains dedicated to promoting sporting excellence and providing greater opportunities for Indian athletes to represent the nation with pride at international championships.
