Fist-fight at Games
NZPA Bangkok A free-for-al! broke out between the Saudi Arabian and Thai cycling teams at the ei.d cf the marathon road race yesterday in the worst incident between participants at the Asian Games.
There had previously been several w;.lk-outs and protests during the Games but none hat led to physical assaults. Reportfs said that both Thai and Saudi Arabian riders and officials sufferd injuries ,r a bloody 10minute fist fight at the finish line —65 km northeast of Bangkok — over a brawl earlier in the race.
The reporters said a group of Saudi Arabians assaulted Phairote Rungtonkit, a Thai coach, after he stopped a Saudi Arabian coach from giving refreshments to his riders on the 180 km course. Cyclists are allowed to stop for refreshments only at designated food and beverage stations. The witness said Phairote, who suffered cuts above the eyebrows, rounded ur> fellow teammates and awaited the Saudi Arabian at the finish line. The fight was broken up later by the police.
A Japanese cyclist, Yoshitaka Niche! won the race in 4hr 49min 27.965, over Iraq’s Wattan Saltern. who finished in 4:49:28.19, while China’s Chiang Min< came third in 4:49:28.21.
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Press, 21 December 1978, Page 6
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195Fist-fight at Games Press, 21 December 1978, Page 6
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