"Coach Che" admits he is very concerned that the 2026 Asian Games will not include the "challenge" system but remains confident of winning a gold medal.
On 4 September 2026, Chatchai Che, or "Coach Che," head coach of Thailand's taekwondo fighting team, admitted some concern that the 2026 Asian Games will be without "Nong Tennis" Panipak Wongpattanakit, and that many athletes are competing in the Asian Games for the first time. However, everyone has trained well and will do their best. The team will go to Japan for training before the fighting competitions take place from 1-3 October.
Coach Che also said that Thailand's top hope is "Yoo" Balang Thapthimdaeng, the defending 63 kg champion. However, he worries about the pressure and stress on him since everyone sees him as the gold medal hope. He tries to help him relax and play comfortably, reminding that sports have wins and losses and no one wins all the time. "Yoo" is fit, determined, and focused, as are the other athletes. Coach Che is confident all have a chance to win medals but does not want to specify names. The outcome also depends on the match draws and athletes’ condition on competition day.
Coach Che also spoke about the new rule banning challenges set by the World Taekwondo Federation, saying he feels genuinely concerned. In past Asian Games and Olympic Games, protesting often led to points being restored successfully many times. But he accepts the federation's decision, acknowledging there may have been problems. He will not dwell on it and will try his best.