Bangkok: The synchronized swimming team from Thailand is making strategic preparations for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games by promoting young talent to its senior squad and undergoing rigorous training in Europe. The team is focused on refining their skills and modernizing their performances in anticipation of the international competition set to take place in Nagoya, Japan, from September 19th to October 4th, 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, the Aquatic Sports Association of Thailand has dispatched a team of 13 athletes along with 4 coaches to participate in a comprehensive training camp in Italy, lasting a month. This initiative is part of a broader effort that includes competing in various European tournaments since April 7, 2026, aimed at enhancing the athletes' technical and physical abilities. The Thai synchronized swimming team has already demonstrated their potential by securing championship titles in Brescia, Italy, the Hungarian National Championship, and the Swiss Youth Championship.
"Coach Tuk" Thanawich Thoskull, Secretary-General of the Aquatic Sports Association of Thailand, highlighted that the European stint serves as a valuable experience-gathering mission for the predominantly young team, who are seen as the future of Thailand's national squad. Their performances will be reassessed during the Asian Age Group Championships 2026, slated to be hosted by Thailand from July 17-25, 2026. The association is optimistic about surpassing previous results at the Asian Games.
"Coach Lukwa" Yaninee Chaturongkul, the coach of the synchronized swimming team, explained that following the retirement of senior athletes post the 33rd SEA Games, a selection of younger athletes, aged 13-15, who had excelled in SEA Age Group championships, were promoted to the senior team. These athletes have been training since February at the Sports Authority of Thailand's facility in Hua Mak, gearing up for the Asian Age Group Championships. The focus is on building their experience, composure, and concentration necessary for high-level competition.
Despite the challenges, including formidable opponents such as China, Japan, and Kazakhstan, Coach Lukwa remains hopeful. "For the 20th Asian Games, we can't guarantee the results yet because our athletes lack experience and need to learn a lot from international competitions. It will be difficult to win medals because there are competitors like China, Japan, Kazakhstan, and many others that are superior to Thailand. But overall, we must perform better than before," she noted, emphasizing the team's commitment to improving their performance on the international stage.