"Kongsak" remains confident Thai athletes will win gold as planned at the halfway point of the 6th Asian Beach Games; Thailand faces tough challenges from many strong nations.
On 27 Apr 2026 GMT+7, "Big Kongsak" Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), expressed continued confidence that Thai athletes will accelerate in the remaining period to meet the target of 15 gold medals, with hopes in several sports such as teqball. He confirmed that SAT's budget support for athletes is well utilized to advance toward the Asian Games and Olympic Games after the halfway mark of the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, People's Republic of China.
Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), commented on the performance of the Thai national team after passing the midway point of the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China. He said some Thai athletes have delivered commendable results, such as beach athletics with gold medals from Phuriphon Boonsoen in the men's 60 meters, Jirapatch Chanonta in the women's 60 meters, and the women's 4x60 meter relay. Additionally, the men's 10-paddler rowing team beat host China in the 200-meter event. Thailand also secured several silver and bronze medals.
"We must commend the Thai athletes for winning medals, especially in athletics, where gold was earned in key events like the sprints and relay. However, there are many other sports where we believe athletes will perform well in the second half of the competition. We must continue to support the Thai athletes through to the final day," said Dr. Kongsak.
The SAT Governor added that the goal of 15 gold medals remains intact, though it is unfortunate that several sports have missed out. He acknowledged that many Asian countries have developed and become very strong, with many aiming for top results at the Asian Beach Games, making competition tougher than before. The final day will be crucial, with sports like teqball—where Thailand has world champion athletes—still in contention.
"Thai athletes participating in these Asian Beach Games gain invaluable experience. Meanwhile, the budget SAT allocates for training camps proves worthwhile, not wasted. Besides raising athletes' standards for continental competition, it also reveals the level of their opponents. This is highly beneficial for athletes to build toward the Asian Games and Olympic Games," said the SAT Governor.
The 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, People's Republic of China, began on 22 Apr 2026 GMT+7 and run until 30 Apr 2026 GMT+7. The event features 14 sports: beach athletics; aquatic sports (marathon swimming and water polo); 3x3 basketball; beach handball; beach soccer; beach volleyball; dragon boat racing; rock climbing; beach wrestling; jujitsu; beach kabaddi; sailing (windsurfing and kiteboarding); triathlon (aquathlon—swimming and running); and teqball. Fans can support Thai athletes via live broadcasts on T Sports 7 television channel.