Bangkok: The Sepak Takraw Association of Thailand has announced the appointment of "Joe Langtao" Suebsak Phansueb as the manager of the men's team for the upcoming Pre-Asian Games in Japan.

According to Thai News Agency, the decision was made during a meeting chaired by Mr. Thana Chaiyaprasit, President of the Sepak Takraw Association of Thailand, which aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games. The meeting saw the presence of Mr. Sihasak Areerachakarn, Secretary-General of the Association, and members of the association's executive committee, including the newly appointed manager, Police Lieutenant Colonel Suebsak Phansueb, who previously managed the women's team.

Mr. Thana disclosed that the Thai men's sepak takraw team fell short of their gold medal target at the recent SEA Games, which resulted in the association securing only six out of the nine anticipated gold medals. In response to this, the committee has tasked Mr. Sompong Chatavithi, an executive committee member, with chairing a working group to analyze and address the factors contributing to the team's performance, aiming for long-term improvements.

For future events, coaching and management roles will be assigned on an individual event basis. While no new appointments have been made since the conclusion of the SEA Games, Suebsak has been tasked with managing the men's team for the Pre-Asian Games. He will also be responsible for selecting the coaching staff for the event.

Suebsak expressed his intention to collaborate with senior officials in planning the selection of coaches and athletes, with initial tryouts scheduled for January 9th. This event will serve as a test to evaluate new athletes' performances, while familiar athletes continue to be monitored.

The Pre-Asian Games event will take place in Nagoya, Japan, from January 30 to February 2, and will act as a precursor to the 2026 Asian Games.