"Nong ST" Wareeraya Suksakem revealed a clear goal ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Japan: she hopes to finish in the top 3 and bring home a medal for Thai sports fans.
On 25 Aug 2026 GMT+7, updates on the Thai national team preparing for the 20th Asian Games from 19 September to 4 October 2026 in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The Extreme Sports Association of Thailand is sending nine athletes: seven skateboarders and two BMX cyclists, led by "ST" Wareeraya Suksakem, a skateboarder who impressed at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, at just 12 years old.
"ST" Wareeraya Suksakem said all athletes are currently training intensively at the Extreme Sports facility within the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) at Huamark. Most of the training focuses on perfecting each trick to ensure consistency, as well as strengthening themselves physically since outdoor competitions demand power, endurance, and stamina.
"We aren't too worried about the environment or weather. Currently, training emphasizes mastering the tricks—practicing to confidently perform as many tricks as possible within 45 seconds without getting too tired. This requires careful planning and perfect execution."
Wareeraya added that this will be her second Asian Games. Previously, at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, she placed fifth. This time, she hopes to improve her performance, aiming at least to rank in the top 3 and bring a medal back to Thai sports fans.
"Every competition makes me excited and nervous, sometimes unable to perform, even crying to my mother that I was scared to compete because I have always feared injury. But after participating in the 2024 Olympic Games and more competitions, gaining experience has boosted my confidence. Whether in small or major events, I can compete on nearly every apparatus. I hope the Asian Games this time will yield good results," Wareeraya said.
The roster of Thai extreme sports athletes for the 20th Asian Games includes: Skateboard Street Men: Keerin Petchkiri and Thawatchai Xiang-ueng; Skateboard Street Women: Wareeraya Suksakem and Natthiyaporn Nawakijwong; Skateboard Park Men: Korawit Kaeokaeo and Brian Van Uppong; Skateboard Park Women: Freya Sariya Brown; BMX Park Men: Saithan Petnum and Rungrueng Phamee.