Thai Para-Badminton Star Aims for Gold at 2026 Asian Para Games
Thai para badminton star Pothee Natthapong Meechai says he is ready to win gold at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan. Ranked world No. 2 in men’s singles SH6, he warned that rivals from India and China are strong but said he has prepared special tactics to overcome them. Meechai will lead a 12‑player Thai team in men’s singles and mixed doubles standing class.
Pothee Natthapong Meechai, Thailand’s para badminton men’s singles world No. 2 in the SH6 class, current world doubles champion and 2026 men’s singles runner‑up, as well as two‑time Asian champion in 2025, announced his readiness for the fifth Asian Para Games ‘Aichi‑Nagoya 2026’ scheduled for October 18‑24, 2026 in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. He said he has trained intensively and competed regularly throughout the year, leaving him fully prepared to represent the nation. Speaking after several days of training in Nagoya, Meechai expressed confidence that he can capture gold for Thai fans, identifying China and India as the main rivals and noting that his preparation includes special weapons designed to trouble opponents. He urged fellow Thais to cheer for all Thai athletes at the event. Meechai will lead a squad of 12 Thai para badminton players — eight in the standing class and four in the wheelchair class — competing in men’s singles and mixed doubles standing class. The standing‑class lineup includes Chai Saeyang, Siripong Ter‑arom, Chonrada Sreenawakul, Mongkol Boonsun, Natthapol Thaveetrap, Nattapon Chamnanwet, and Pracha Samsiri, while the wheelchair class comprises Jahwooseng Pualoe, Aronong Prayaew, Kittichai Rukjaiam, and Amnuay Wetthawihan.
