Bangkok: The president of the Amateur Boxing Association of Thailand has set a bold target for the 2026 Asian Games, aiming for the Thai national team to secure one gold and one silver medal. This announcement comes as the Billiards Association of Thailand makes strides to separate snooker from gambling laws.
According to Thai News Agency, the Amateur Boxing Association of Thailand, under President Pichai Chunhavachir, recently convened its 2025 Annual General Meeting via video conference, with member clubs from across Thailand in attendance. The meeting highlighted the remarkable achievements at the 2025 SEA Games, where the Thai boxing team clinched 14 gold medals, exceeding expectations.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to take place from September 19th to October 4th in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan. The games will feature 11 gold medals across both men's and women's weight classes. Despite the increased difficulty of the competition, which includes formidable opponents from countries like India, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, the association is optimistic about its medal prospects. The confidence stems from the rigorous training programs for Thai boxers, both domestically and internationally.
In parallel, "Uncle Hong," Mr. Sunthorn Jarumong, President of the Billiard Sports Association of Thailand, presided over the association's annual general meeting. A significant topic was the upcoming election of a new president, as Mr. Sunthorn's term concludes in September. He expressed his readiness to support a new leader but remains open to continuing his role if members desire.
The meeting also addressed the ongoing efforts to delink snooker from Category A gambling laws. Police Major General Wichai Sangprapai, Vice President of the Association, highlighted the submission of this issue to Parliament, emphasizing the outdated nature of the law, dating back to 1935, which impedes snooker's development in Thailand. He pointed to China's robust support for the sport and argued that the association's efforts to dissociate snooker from gambling are crucial for its growth in Thailand.