Nagoya: The Thai national sepak takraw team has set an ambitious target to secure all four gold medals at the upcoming 20th Asian Games, "Aichi-Nagoya 2026," taking place from September 19th to October 4th, 2026, in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The team is set to compete in the men's team, men's singles, women's team, and women's four-person team events, excluding the men's four-person team and women's doubles events.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Kamol Tankimhong, the manager of the Thai national sepak takraw team, disclosed that the athletes have been rigorously training at the Sepak Takraw Foundation of Thailand training center in Khlong Song, Pathum Thani province, since April. The players are reported to be in top physical condition, with some preparing for the 39th King's Cup Sepak Takraw Championship in August as a precursor to the Asian Games.
Mr. Kamol emphasized the importance of maintaining the athletes' training limits and avoiding any rush in their preparation. The team plans to arrive in Japan 2-3 days before their first competition on September 20, 2026. He reiterated the team's goal at this Asian Games, which is none other than capturing all four gold medals in their respective events.
"Our competitors are strong, with extensive training experience, including teams from Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The Thai sepak takraw team aims for 4 gold medals. We will put forth our best effort, but it also depends on the athletes' physical condition. Based on the training so far, both the athletes and the coaching staff are confident that we can achieve it," Mr. Kamol stated.
Coaching the men's team are "Coach Pui" Lieutenant Porchai Keokaew and "Coach Note" Mr. Pattarapong Yupadee, who are working with a team comprising both seasoned players and promising young talents. For the women's team, "Coach Odd" Mr. Veerachai Saengsawat and "Coach Chakri" Mr. Chakri Puangcharoen lead a similarly diverse group of experienced and new players.
The sepak takraw competition at the 20th Asian Games will involve 12 nations and is scheduled to be held from September 20th to October 3rd, 2026, at the Paloma Mizuho Arena in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The competition will feature six events: men's singles, men's quadruple team, men's team, women's doubles, women's quadruple team, and women's team.
Reflecting on the Thai sepak takraw team's performance at the 19th Asian Games in 2022 (held in 2023) in Hangzhou, People's Republic of China, they secured a total of 4 gold medals in the men's team event, men's singles event, women's team event, and women's singles event.
Source: Thai News Agency