
Sports Medicine
Hosted by The Football Association of Thailand (FA Thailand) in the Thai capital city of Bangkok, the event was the second leg of the regional AFC course that focused on the ASEAN and East regions of Asia after the first leg in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for West MAs in May 2024.
The course was led by Dato’ Dr. Gurcharan Singh, who was assisted by AFC Instructors Prof. Dr. Michiko Dohi, Dr. Paisal Chantarapitak, Dr. Fenton DeDouza, Dr. Randolph Molo, Dr. Rachvind S Sra, and Dr. Pakapon Issaragrisil.

Held at the BDMS Rehabilitation Centre, the course was divided into two segments: theoretical sessions that featured lectures on the latest advancements in emergency medicine in football and practical sessions that provided hands-on training on the management of urgent medical cases on and off the pitch as well as anti-doping matters. BDMS Instructors for Advance Life Support helped in ensuring the participants’ proficiency in on-field emergency management of sudden cardiac arrest, head concussion and various traumas and injuries.

Dato’ Dr. Singh said: “The contents of this course is tailored to provide the latest evidence-based practices in management of emergencies on the field in line with those of FIFA. The AFC wants to deliver a message, which is ‘unity of doctrine’ – this means that if a sudden cardiac arrest incident occurs, the medical staff will respond in a standardised protocol as implemented in accordance with the FIFA Emergency Action Plan.
“This course is part of the low-cost, high-output educational activities organised within Asia by the AFC and reinforces the AFC’s commitment in maximising the potential of our Member Associations.”

Mrs Nualphan Lamsam, President of FA Thailand, said in her opening remarks: “Your presence reflects our shared commitment to advancing football across Asia. It is a privilege to host such a distinguished group whose efforts empower athletes and shape the sport’s future on the global stage.
“The AFC Football Emergency Medicine & Anti-Doping Regional Course embodies the strong partnership between the AFC and FA Thailand. This initiative is designed to advance expertise in sports medicine — an indispensable aspect of football, where intensity and physicality define the game.”