Thai Sailors Train in Japan Ahead of 20th Asian Games

Thailand's sailing federation is preparing to send competitive Thai sailors to pre-competition training at the venue for the 20th Asian Games in Japan, targeting 3-4 medals with prospects for at least one gold medal. Deputy President Chayut Nawetsaputikorn of the Thailand Sailing Sports Association outlined the national team's preparations for the 20th Asian Games, running from September 19 to October 4, 2026, in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The federation is entering athletes across eight event categories: four single-handed boats with four sailors and four double-handed boats with eight sailors, totaling 12 competitors. Sailing competitions are scheduled for September 26 to October 3, 2026.

"The sailing team has been training since March, competing regularly in preparation. All athletes and coaches plan to travel to Kailua Kona Harbor on September 9, 2026, to acclimate to the venue's weather conditions, water currents, and wind patterns," Nawetsaputikorn said. The federation thanked the National Sports Development Fund, Thailand's Sports Authority, and PTT Exploration and Production for funding equipment transport and pre-competition training abroad. The athletes recently competed at the World Sailing Championships in Hiroshima, Japan, in August 2026, where 26 nations and 74 boats competed. Thailand currently ranks in the top three in Asia.

Nawetsaputikorn noted that at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, in 2023, Thai sailors won two gold medals in the ILCA 4 category—one from M.L. Vega Phanutpand and one from Noppassorn Khunbunchad—both then youth-level competitors. "Comparing regional statistics and rankings among Asian sailors, our team should be capable of winning 3-4 medals. Whether we can match the two golds from last time depends on rigorous training at the actual venue, athlete skill and strength, and weather conditions on competition day. Overall, we should have at least a reasonable chance of winning one gold medal," he concluded.