Thai Para Athletes Target Gold at 2026 Asian Para Games
Thailand’s para athletes are preparing for the fifth Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, scheduled for October 18‑24, 2026, with live coverage on T Sports 7, PPTV HD 36 and AIS Play. The team of 265 athletes aims to match or surpass the 27 gold medals won at the 2022 Hangzhou edition, while host Japan reports ticket sales nearing sell‑out.
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) is inviting supporters to back the Thai para team in their pursuit of success at the Asian Para Games, with live broadcasts provided by T Sports 7 and its partners throughout the event. The host nation Japan has expressed enthusiasm over the strong public response, noting that admission tickets are almost sold out.
The latest update on Thailand’s para athletes competing in the fifth Asian Para Games – officially branded “Aichi-Nagoya 2026” – reveals that the games will open formally in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, from October 18 to 24, 2026. SAT Governor Pradporn Samanmit explained that, following the completion of Thailand’s 20th Asian Games campaign in early October, the focus has shifted to the para team, which seeks to achieve success and bring joy to the Thai people. This edition features 18 sports and a total of 492 gold medals up for grabs. Thailand has sent a full contingent of 265 para athletes, one for each event, with the goal of equalling or exceeding the 27 gold medals secured at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Para Games.
Pradporn added that some Thai para athletes have already begun competition ahead of the opening ceremony on October 18, and the contests will continue through to October 24. She invited Thai sports fans to follow and cheer the team via live television on digital channel T Sports 7 and PPTV HD 36, as well as online through the AIS Play application.
The opening ceremony on October 18 will be streamed live on T Sports 7 and AIS Play starting at 4:00 pm Thailand time, with T Sports 7, PPTV HD 36 and AIS Play jointly covering the entire schedule.
Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura said the games have received an enthusiastic response from spectators, with ticket sales exceeding 90 percent for wheelchair tennis and over 80 percent for wheelchair basketball, among other sports.
The fifth Asian Para Games, hosted by Japan, will feature competitions in archery, wheelchair athletics, badminton, boccia, cycling, football, goalball, judo, weightlifting, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis, offering 492 gold medals. According to the latest data from the Asian Paralympic Committee, 2,700 athletes from 45 nations are taking part, comprising 56 percent male and 44 percent female, supported by 1,300 officials. Athletics contributes the largest share of gold medals with 162, followed by swimming with 114 and table tennis with 37.
