DPM thanks Thai shuttler champion for bringing happiness to Thais

BANGKOK, April 18 (TNA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan thanks now Thailand's world badminton champion Ratchanok Intanon, also known as "Nong Mei", for bringing happiness to all Thais for her victory. General Prawit told journalists that he has followed and cheered on the top Thai shuttler throughout her champion journey. General Prawit said the Thai government will present a cash reward to "Nong Mei" to boost her morale, while also encouraging other Thai youths to take Ratchanok as a role model. The 21-year-old wellknown Thai shuttler will step up to the world No.1 when the new world rankings are updated, expected later this week, after defeating Chinese defending champion Sun Yu in the Superseries Singapore Open finals on April 17. "Nong Mei" beat the Chinese shuttler, the world's No. 14, by two sets to one (18-21, 21-11 and 21-14) to become the first women’s singles player to win three Superseries title just over the past weeks. "Nong Mei", who also won the Yonex Sunrise India Open 2016 and the Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open 2016 recently, returned to Thailand on Monday amid a throng of her supporters, including her family members and friends, as well as representatives of relevant parties and journalists. (TNA)