Last Sunday, the Thai athletes kicked off the 2026 Asian Games in the Land of the Samurai with great excitement!
The Thai teqball team, a new hope sport, swept all 3 gold medals in the 3 categories they competed in.
This included the mixed doubles pair “Ton” Pakphong Dechjaroen and “Nit” Supawadee Wongkamchan, two-time world champions.
Then the women's doubles category with “Nit” Supawadee and “Yok” Jutatip Kanthatong, an unbeatable Thai pair, three-time world champions and currently ranked world number one.
Finally, in men's doubles, Sergeant Sorasak Thoasiri paired with Corporal Pakphong Dechjaroen.
In fact, the Thai teqball players could have won even more gold medals.
If the host Japan had not imposed a rule allowing each nation to compete in no more than three categories.
This outstanding success has brought rewards to the athletes, coaching staff, and the Teqball Association of Thailand.
They received a total bonus from the National Sports Development Fund amounting to 18 million baht.
From this new hope sport, we move to the "mass sport" of men's football, where the Thai national team has already played their second match.
They secured a continuous victory by crushing Hong Kong, who placed 4th in the last Asian Games, with a resounding 5-1 score.
They earned 6 points as planned and have secured a 100 percent guarantee to advance to the knockout round after Japan routed Kyrgyzstan 7-0, with both teams advancing together.
In the next match, Thailand will face the host Japan to compete for the group championship on Wednesday evening, 23 September 2026, at 17:30 Thai time.
The match will be broadcast live nationwide on Thairath TV Channel 32 and the AIS PLAY application as usual.
It must be acknowledged that in the past two matches, the young Thai national football players who came to compete at this Asian Games did so without a fully complete squad.
They were missing key players such as Khakhana Kamyok, Seksan Ratri, and Iklas Sanhron, who were called up by the senior national team.
Importantly, they did not use any over-23 player quota at all.
Moreover, in the recent game against Hong Kong, they lacked a key striker, “Mix” Yossakorn Burapha,
who flew back to help Chonburi in a big Thai League match against Buriram.
Yet, they collectively produced an outstanding performance beyond expectations.
Especially notable was their "comeback king" spirit, overturning situations after trailing in both matches.
They came back to win and earn 3 points in a truly admirable fashion.
In the first match, they were down 2-0 against Kyrgyzstan but scored rapidly in the second half to win an exciting 3-2.
In the latest game, Hong Kong took a 1-0 lead, but Thailand managed to equalize before halftime.
Then they dominated the second half and scored 4 quick goals as seen.
Beyond admiring the players' fighting spirit and determination, all out at 100 percent,
credit must also be given to the coach's timely and precise tactical adjustments.
This credit goes to “Coach Wang” Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul.
Alongside him are the coaching staff, including “Coach Chok” Choktawee Promrat and “Coach K” Phatsa Meesattham,
who have worked hard together throughout.
Their efforts have already proven results in this Asian Games to a significant extent.
Leading the team to the knockout stage and bringing forward new rising stars.
Such as “Jehanafi Mama”,
and “Priphan Wongsa,” a super-sub striker who has continuously shown hot form, scoring 3 goals already.
Also “Worawut Noisri,” who made his full breakthrough in the match against Hong Kong.
This has made the name of “Coach Wang” Thawatchai increasingly interesting again.
He represents the genuine "Thailand Way" coach.
He was a former national hero in the same era as “Zico” Kiatisuk Senamuang, the people's favorite coach.
He would like to send a message to the executives and technical department of the Football Association of Thailand.
If there is a change in the head coach position of the senior national team in the future,
please do not overlook “Coach Wang,” this Thai coach.
He should be a top choice with full knowledge, ability, and experience.
Not inferior to any foreign coach currently working in Thailand.
Not at all!!!
- Bee Bangpakong -