Thai Para Athletes Shine at Asian Para Games, Target 27 Gold Medals
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At the halfway point of the 5th Asian Para Games in Japan, Thailand's para-athletes are delivering outstanding performances, winning consecutive gold medals and setting numerous new competition records. Wheelchair racing equalled a world record, while shooting secured two quota spots for the 2028 LA Paralympics. With events remaining, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) says medal hopes remain across multiple sports and urges fans to keep cheering, confident the team will reach its target of no fewer than 27 gold medals.
SAT Governor Pradabpan Samanmitr revealed the Thai para-team's achievements after the first half of the 5th Asian Para Games "Aichi-Nagoya 2026" in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on 21 October 2026. In the first half, Thai para-athletes excelled in athletics, swimming, table tennis, and archery — not only winning gold but also breaking existing records to set new Asian Para Games marks.
The Governor highlighted standout performances: Nitikon Jiampiriyakul broke the Asian record in men's 200m freestyle S14 swimming; Sasirwan Inthachot broke the Asian Para Games record in women's 200m T47; Pongsakorn Paeyo broke the Asian Para Games record in wheelchair racing 800m T51/T52/T53; Athiwat Paeng-nuea matched the world record set by Portugal's Balde Mamudo in men's 100m T54 wheelchair racing; and Chaiwat Rattana broke the Asian Para Games record in men's 100m T33/T34 wheelchair racing.
"Not only that, in shooting we secured two quota places for the 2028 LA Paralympics in Los Angeles, USA, from these Asian Para Games — Anusorn Chaichamnan and Wongsathorn Kulthong. In the first half, the Thai para-team's performance has been extremely satisfactory," said Governor Pradabpan.
For the second half through the final competition day on 24 October 2026, the Governor said Thai para-athletes still have medal prospects in athletics, wheelchair racing, wheelchair fencing, badminton, boccia, swimming, powerlifting, archery, and table tennis. Thai athletes rank among Asia's and the world's best, so she is confident they can achieve the target of at least 27 gold medals. She invites sports fans to support the Thai para-team via live broadcasts on T SPORTS 7, PPTV HD 36, and AIS PLAY.
