Making History! Bass Phongsakorn Becomes First Thai Wheelchair Basketball Player to Win Euro Cup Championship
Thai wheelchair basketball player Bass Phongsakorn Sripirm made history as the first Thai athlete to win the Euro Cup championship, leading Italian club Reggio Bic to victory over Hannover United in the 2026 final.
The Thai Association for Persons with Disabilities under Royal Patronage, jointly with the Thai Sports Journalists Association and the Thai Wheelchair Basketball Association, hosted a prestigious reception for "Bass" Phongsakorn Sripirm at Hua Mark Stadium following his historic achievement as Thailand's first wheelchair basketball player to win the Euro Cup 2026 club championship with Italian club Reggio Bic (ASD RC Basket in Carrozzina).
The ceremony was presided over by Maitri Kongruang, president of the Thai Association for Persons with Disabilities under Royal Patronage, accompanied by Bhattraphan Krishana, president of the Thai Wheelchair Basketball Association, and numerous sports journalists expressing warm congratulations.
Phongsakorn Sripirm began his professional athletic journey with Reggio Bic in Reggio Calabria, Italy in 2021, reaching his career peak during the 2026 season. In this Euro Cup tournament, Reggio Bic delivered outstanding performances: dominating the group stage with victories over strong competitors from England and Spain, defeating German powerhouse Köln 99ers 64-49 in the semi-finals.
In the final, Phongsakorn showcased exceptional form, leading his team to victory over Hannover United with a score of 62-54 and claiming the European championship—a historic first for a Thai athlete.
Maitri Kongruang praised the achievement, stating: "Phongsakorn is a true role model for Thai athletes with disabilities competing at the world level. This success not only brings personal honor but also demonstrates the potential of Thailand's athletic development system. We thank the Thai Wheelchair Basketball Association under the leadership of Bhattraphan Krishana for consistently promoting athletes until achieving this level of success."
Meanwhile, "Bass Phongsakorn" expressed his feelings about the achievement: "I'm extremely proud to have carried the Thai flag and showcased our nation's glory in Europe. I want this success to inspire all fellow athletes with disabilities to believe that we can achieve greatness. My next goal is to prepare rigorously to serve the Thai national team at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan this October."
