Thailand's national sepak takraw team has set a clear target, declaring they must sweep all four gold medals at the 20th Asian Games in 2026.
On 14 September 2026, updates came from Thailand's national sepak takraw team preparing for the 20th Asian Games "Aichi-Nagoya 2026," held from 19 September to 4 October 2026 in Nagoya, Aichi Province, Japan. The Thai team will compete in four categories: men's team, men's regu, women's team, and women's four-player team. They will not participate in the men's four-player team or women's doubles events.
Recently, Kamol Tankimhong, manager of Thailand's national sepak takraw team for the Asian Games, revealed the team has been training at the Sepak Takraw Foundation Training Center in Khlong Song, Pathum Thani Province since April. The athletes are in good physical condition. Some have managed their health carefully during the 39th King's Cup Sepak Takraw tournament in August and in preparation for the upcoming Asian Games.
Regarding preparations for the Asian Games, Kamol said the athletes are maintaining appropriate training intensity and cannot push too hard. The team will travel to Japan 2-3 days before the first competition day on 20 September 2026. The team's goal is nothing less than winning all four gold medals in the events they are entering.
"Our competitors are strong, having trained extensively, including Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Our Thai team aims for four gold medals and will give their best effort, but results depend on the athletes' condition. Based on training so far, both players and coaching staff are confident we can achieve this," said Kamol.
For coaching, the men's team is led by Coach Pui, Lieutenant Pornchai Kaokaeo, and Coach Note, Mr. Phattharaphong Yupadee. This squad blends experienced athletes with promising newcomers. The women's team is coached by Coach Odd, Mr. Weerachai Saengsawang, and Coach Jakree, Mr. Jakree Puangcharoen, combining veteran players with fresh talent similarly.
The sepak takraw competition at the 20th Asian Games features 12 participating countries, running from 20 September to 3 October 2026 at Paloma Mizuho Arena in Nagoya, Aichi Province, Japan. The host has included six categories: men's regu, men's four-player team, men's team, women's doubles, women's four-player team, and women's team.
At the 19th Asian Games in 2022 (held in 2023) in Hangzhou, People's Republic of China, the Thai sepak takraw team won a total of four gold medals from the men's team, men's regu, women's team, and women's regu events.