Surin plans nine-elephant homecoming for double gold medallist Puripol
The Thai sprinter is due to return on 19 October after setting Asian Games records in the 100 metres and 200 metres.
Thai sprinter Puripol Boonson is scheduled to reach his home province of Surin at 17:00 on 19 October, with nine elephants set to head a procession celebrating his two Asian Games gold medals.
The province has organised a route starting at Mueang Surin District Office and continuing along Lak Mueang Road. The procession will pass the police station, turn right near the local education office and proceed to Suan Mai for a formal welcome.
Puripol took the men's 100 metres and 200 metres titles at the Asian Games. He also set new Games records in each event.
In the 200 metres, his 19.88-second finish equalled the Asian continental record, making him a joint record holder with China's Xie Zhenye. The homecoming is intended to recognise his sporting achievements and mark his return to Surin.
