FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 31, 1995

AMERICAN RANGSIKITPHO APPOINTED AS UMPIRE FOR 1996 OLYMPIC GAMES

(COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.) -- On October 4, Paisan Rangsikitpho's
Olympic dreams became a reality when he was named an umpire for
the 1996 Olympic badminton competition by the International
Badminton Federation (IBF).  What makes this honor extra special
however is the fact that Ransikitpho is the first American ever
to be selected.
     "I am very proud of the fact that I will be the first U.S.
umpire ever to work an Olympic Games," said Rangsikitpho.
     "I hope this will encourage more people in the U.S. to get
involved in umpiring, and current USBA umpires to get more
involved on the international level."
     Rangsikitpho got involved in umpiring and coaching badminton
13 years ago when he came to the U.S. from Thailand to study at
California State University - Long Beach.  Since that time, he
has worked his way up the ranks, becoming an IBF accreditated
umpire in 1992, and an IBF certificated umpire (top-level) in
1995.  He has umpired such prestigious events as the U.S. Open,
U.S. Olympic Festival, World Junior Championships, and the Pan
American Games.  
     Ragsikitpho is the current Vice President of the U.S.
Badminton Federation, as well as chair of the USBA Court Officals
Committee.  He is also head coach of the badminton club
California State Univeristy - Long Beach.
     The following is the list of umpires who will officiate the
1996 Olympic Games at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Ga.
(July 24-Aug. 1).  Ian McDowell (AUS), Marc Le Bon (BEL), James
Lynch (CAN), Ren Chun Hui (CHN), Liu Dai Di (CHN), Nils
Kullenberg (DEN), Peter Ganes (DEN), Preben Noeies (DEN), Phil
James (ENG), Bjorn Von Veh (FIN), Dirk Kellerman (GER), Vemuri
Sudhaker (INA), Cholid Magad (INA), Johnny Quek (MAS), Chan Chun
Seng (MAS), Loong Keong Mun (MAS), Jan Mooij (NED), Rob Taconis
(NED), Rob Denton (NZL), Rune B. Hansen (NOR), Eddie Ang Han San
(SIN), Hakan Fossto (SWE), Nahathai Sornprachum (THA), Paisan
Rangsikitpho (USA).

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(FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT PAUL PAWLACZYK, USBA
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, AT 719-578-4808)