A DANCING Thai coach won the hearts of Filipino fans in the last Asian Under-23 Women's Volleyball Championship.
And he's not Tai Bundit.
Thailand national coach Nataphon Srisamutnak put on his dancing shoes during the final against China, reacting animatedly to every point to the delight of the crowd at the Philsports Arena.
Thailand lost the match, 25-27, 25-21, 21-25, 11-25, and settled for runner-up honors, but not even that could wipe the smile from Nataphon's face.
When Spin.ph asked if it’s a trademark for Thai coaches to be lively on the sidelines during volleyball matches, the Thailand team interpreter revealed that it was the first time for the Thai coach to be that animated during a match.
“This is unusual for this coach,” said the interpreter. “It’s his first time to dance.”
“His normal way of coaching is just talking to the players and gives instructions,” she added.
Like Bundit, who introduced the 'heartstrong' and 'happy' mentality to Philippine volleyball in his stint with the Ateneo Lady Eagles, Srisamutnak, the interpreter said, was dancing to ease the tension for his players.
“He just wants to relax the players,” said the interpreter.
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