"Kongsak" predicts the expected ranking of the Thai athletes at the 2026 Asian Games and clearly states the gold medal targets for this competition.
On 16 Sep 2026, Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), revealed that the 20th Asian Games “Aichi-Nagoya 2026,” held from 19 September to 4 October 2026 in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, have already started some events, and the Thai athletes have begun arriving in Japan. They are aiming for 15 gold medals and a top 6 finish in Asia.
The Thai team preparing for the 20th Asian Games has been training continuously since the 33rd SEA Games held in Thailand in 2025. Most athletes are in good to excellent physical condition. Sports where Thailand won gold at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, still offer opportunities. Additionally, there are new medal prospects in sports like teqball. Traditional gold medal sports such as boxing and weightlifting, in which Thailand has Olympic success, also have chances to win gold at this Asian Games.
However, regarding Thai Sepak Takraw, despite lessons from underperformance at the 33rd SEA Games, the athletes’ potential suggests they can still sweep all four gold medals in this Asian Games. Teqball is also highly likely to win three golds. Along with other strong sports like weightlifting, boxing, esports, and sailing, it is believed that the target of 15 gold medals is achievable and sufficient to place Thailand in the top 6. Since Japan is hosting, most gold medals may go to the two major countries, Japan and China, which creates an opportunity for Thailand to secure a top 6 ranking.
The SAT Governor added that at the 20th Asian Games, China and Japan are expected to win the most gold medals. Leading Asian countries like South Korea have a high sports standard, Iran is very strong in combat sports and football, and India has recently improved significantly in many sports. Following these are Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. These countries are the main competitors that the Thai team must contend with to achieve a top 6 position in Asia.