Cover Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul with the Tatler Impact Awards 2025
Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul with the Tatler Impact Awards 2025
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Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, one of the recipients of the Tatler Impact Awards 2025, has played a significant role in propelling the sporting world beyond competition to become a symbol that sparks hope, inspires, and conveys the power of peace to Thai and global society.
One of the highlights of the recent Tatler Ball was the presentation of the prestigious Tatler Impact Awards, which recognises individuals who make a positive impact and change in society. In the field of sports, Khunying Pathama Leeswadtrakul, as a Commissioner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), President of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the National Olympic Committee of Thailand (NOCT), is a deserving recipient of such a meaningful award.
Khunying Patama believes that sport is a "universal language" that connects people and communities across the world from diverse backgrounds, without borders. Sport is a tool for tangible change and a truly constructive force for society and humanity, aligning with the three Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship.
Sports are the best teachers of life.
Khunying Patama revealed that her life's inspiration began with the simplest thing when she was a child: giving, something her family had always instilled in her.
“My parents taught me that a meaningful life is about contributing to others, especially the less fortunate. This is done with a sincere heart, kindness, and sacrifice.”
Another thing that has shaped her is sports. Khunying Pathama has been interested in and has played various sports since she was a child. For her, sports not only keep her healthy, but also teach her discipline, patience, and responsibility.
“Sports are not just competitions for victory; they are also the best teachers in life. They teach us to 'never give up in defeat, never show off in victory, and forgive wholeheartedly.' Sports are a powerful force that can transform lives, inspire, and act as a key mechanism in preventing social problems and crime.”
Khunying Pathama explained that if we open up spaces for children and youth to spend time playing sports, it will help them stay away from drugs and other risky behaviors. Importantly, sports promote health and improve people's quality of life. When society is healthy, families, communities, and nations are strengthened.
Elevating the Thai badminton industry to the world stage
Although Khunying Patama's positions and roles span a wide range of sports, her most important role is being behind the success of Thai badminton, from manager of the Thai national badminton team to president of the Badminton Association of Thailand and now president of the World Badminton Federation.
A powerful woman in the badminton world reminisces about her early days as manager of the Thai national team at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games and the 2012 London Olympic Games.
“During that time, I lived closely with the badminton players in the Athletes' Village, which gave me the opportunity to truly understand the heart of an athlete. I gained a deep understanding of their determination, dedication, limitations, and the necessary support needed to ensure that Thai badminton players achieve consistent success.”
When Khunying Pathama assumed the position of President of the Badminton Association of Thailand, she used her experience from the competition field to develop comprehensive policy strategies for athletes, coaches, referees, and related personnel. She promoted the concept of "B to the Power of 3", which consists of Badminton for Everyone, Build World Champions, and Best-Practice Management, to elevate the Thai badminton industry to international standards and become one of the leading countries in the world of badminton.
She said that during the global COVID-19 crisis, she pushed for Thailand to gain the trust of the Badminton World Federation by hosting three consecutive world-class tournaments: Asia Open I (Super 1000), Asia Open II (Super 1000), and the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2020 in January 2021.
“Hosting these three events not only provides the best opportunity for world badminton to resume after the suspension, but also marks the first time in history that Thailand has been honored to host three consecutive top-level events within a single month, an unprecedented feat in the world of badminton.”
The tournament was held under strict disease control measures under a safe, infection-free bubble format, and broadcast live to over 1 billion households worldwide, proudly establishing Thailand as the host country.
“Athletes around the world say that being able to experience the competition again is a joy they've been waiting for, and the format of the Games has served as a model for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.”
In her current role as President of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Khunying Pathama has applied her accumulated experience to various management areas, adhering to the principles of good governance, transparency, and equality to promote badminton as a world-class sport and a positive force connecting people through friendship, understanding, and sustainable mutual growth.
Lessons from the Olympic Games to the 2025 SEA Games
On the occasion of Thailand hosting the 33rd SEA Games from December 9-20, with Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla as the main host cities, we believe that the experiences of Khunying Pathama as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) should contain lessons or suggestions from international competitions that can be applied to Thailand.
“As an IOC member, I have witnessed the world-class management of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which combines sporting excellence with innovation, urban governance, environmental conservation, and creative public engagement.”
Khunying Patama cites the concept of urban integration in organizing competitions. The most recent Olympic Games used prominent landmarks and areas in the heart of Paris, France, as venues, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River basin, to make sports a part of people's lives. The 2025 SEA Games can adapt this concept by using public spaces that are symbols of Thailand to create experiences that connect sports with the culture and way of life of the people.
We can also apply smart technologies to security, including digital ticketing, audience analytics, and real-time fan engagement platforms to deliver a cutting-edge experience for spectators and participants.
"The Paris Olympic Games can foster participation and make sports accessible to all groups of people, using cultural, musical, and artistic activities alongside sports to create a sense of ownership of the Games. The SEA Games can leverage this concept to empower Thais, fostering a sense of pride in their shared role as virtuous hosts. They should use this opportunity to creatively showcase 'Thainess' through sports, art, food, music, and warm hospitality, coupled with an 'eco-friendly' competition format. This will re-establish Thailand's image as a host that cares for the planet and creates a lasting impression."
Equality and the results of dedication
Throughout her life, Khunying Patama has demonstrated her determination, commitment, and dedication to promoting sports as part of the lives of Thai people of all ages and genders, ensuring that sports become more than just a competitive activity, but a tool for strengthening society and developing people in all aspects.
“I have witnessed the success of numerous Thai athletes who have gone on to win world championships, rank among the top in the world, and inspire Thai youth across the country to see that determination and the right opportunities can lead to success.”
Meanwhile, Khunying Pathama has also prioritized promoting gender equality through the Gender Equity & Diversity Commission, which aims to increase opportunities for women to play a greater role at all levels of sports management, from the competition field, coaching, refereeing, and even senior management positions.
“As President of the Badminton World Federation, we have taken steps to increase female representation on the BWF Council and continue to develop training programs for female coaches to create balance and equality in the sport. This not only promotes women's rights, but also inspires and encourages women to thrive on the world stage.”
This demonstrates that when we strive to create systems that allow everyone to reach their full potential, sport and society will grow together.
“Because the world never stops turning, the role of a leader never stops. One thing I have always held onto is the courage to think, to initiate, to act, and to make constructive changes.
“In an increasingly complex world, leaders who dare to take initiative, listen to diverse voices, understand cultural diversity, ideological differences, and balance interests to ensure all stakeholders feel included, will truly create meaningful and lasting change.”
All this is the result of hard work and a never-give-up spirit from Khunying Pathama Leeswadtrakul, winner of the Tatler Impact Awards in Sports, who has proven that her dedication not only creates success on the field, but also brings joy, hope and pride to Thailand and countless sports fans around the world.
