The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has consulted with the Thailand Sepak Takraw Association to prepare a backup plan for the 20th Asian Games in case five players are sanctioned by the International Sepak Takraw Federation. Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of SAT, expressed confidence in the association's management. Even if the bans are ultimately imposed, there are still players who can serve as replacements. He confirmed this would not affect the goal of winning four gold medals.
Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), revealed preparations for the Thai national sepak takraw team—Thailand's gold medal hopefuls—at the 20th Asian Games from 19 September to 4 October 2026 in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. He addressed the case where five Thai players and three coaching staff were temporarily banned by the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF) following the Thai team’s decision to withdraw from continuing the men's team final at the 2026 World Cup in Malaysia last May. The SAT has worked with the Thailand Sepak Takraw Association to set guidelines and contingency plans for team preparation, believing the association has the capacity to manage the situation and find replacement players.
“The Sepak Takraw Association has been clear from the start that they will exercise their right to appeal. However, regardless of the outcome, they must accept the federation’s rules and decisions. Whether the appeal will be resolved before the Asian Games is another matter, but I believe these processes will not affect the Asian Games team preparations. The association can manage this and has ready players to step in,” Dr. Kongsak said.
Regarding the Thai national sepak takraw team’s goals at the 20th Asian Games, Dr. Kongsak affirmed that the only target is gold medals. Despite the possibility of players being banned, the association still has many skilled players ready to step up. He remains confident that the Thai team will maintain its standard and continue contending for gold medals at the Asian Games.