Organ Transplant Recipients Petanque Asian Open Championship Kicks Off Second Edition
Organ transplant recipients from nine countries competed in the 2nd Petanque Asian Open Championships held in Bangkok, with 119 athletes participating across multiple categories in the Royal Cup tournament.
The 2nd Petanque Transplant Asian Open Championships, competing for the Royal Cup bestowed by Princess Sirindhorn, took place on April 30, 2026 at The Quarter Ramkhamhaeng by UHG. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, former Minister of Tourism and Sports, served as the opening ceremony president, accompanied by Thailand Organ Transplant Sports Association chairman Sannhanath Seejampee, secretary Thapaney Sophon, and representatives from organ transplant centers including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suraskdi Kantsuvessiree from Ramathibodi Hospital and Anupong Phuchsingh from the Thai Red Cross Organ Donation Center.
The Thailand Organ Transplant Sports Association organized this championship as a matter of great pride, welcoming athletes and representatives from diverse countries. This gathering reflects the power of sports to build health and spirit while serving as a bridge for international goodwill. Sports and tourism work together to promote Thailand as a sports tourism destination, allowing visitors to experience Thai culture and hospitality. The association is now recruiting organ transplant athletes for training to compete in international and world-level competitions across disciplines including petanque, bowling, badminton, table tennis, darts, athletics, lawn bowls, 3X3 basketball, and tennis. Interested individuals can contact the association through its Facebook page, website www.transplantsports.org, or LINE@ @ujk8406j.
The competition runs from April 29 to May 3, 2026 at the Petanque Development Foundation Field in Wang Thonglang District, Bangkok, featuring four categories: men's singles, women's singles, doubles, and 3-team open. A total of 119 transplant recipients from nine countries are participating—88 men and 31 women—from Australia, Bhutan, China, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Malaysia, Nepal, and Thailand.
