Sprinter Phuripol Boonsorn Wins Asian Games 2026 MVP Amid Controversy
Thai sprinter Phuripol Boonsorn won the MVP award at the 2026 Asian Games after taking double gold in the 100m and 200m sprints. Foreign social media users, however, argued that Chinese swimmer Zhang Zhanzhu, with seven gold medals, deserved the honor more. The controversy has sparked debate over the criteria for the Asian Games MVP.
Foreign social media accounts have questioned why Thai sprinter Phuripol Boonsorn was awarded the MVP of the 2026 Asian Games, arguing that Chinese swimmer Zhang Zhanzhu, who won seven gold medals, was more deserving. Boonsorn earned the honor with two gold medals in the 100‑meter and 200‑meter sprints, breaking Asian Games records in both events, plus a silver in the mixed 4×100‑meter relay. The female MVP went to 13‑year‑old Chinese swimmer Yu Zodi. MVP recipients receive a trophy and $25,000 (about 850,000 baht). However, an X account disputed the decision, claiming Zhang was robbed of the award in an ugly way. The post said Zhang captured seven gold medals—a record never seen before—and broke three Asian records, yet the Olympic Council of Asia gave the MVP to a Thai athlete who has not broken any Asian record. It added that Zhang broke three Asian records, five Asian Games records, and won seven gold medals, and that the MVP was given to a non‑Chinese athlete merely to make other countries feel good, calling it a meaningless consolation prize.
