Thai Sepak Takraw Eyes Four Golds Despite Athlete Bans
Thailand's sepak takraw team targets four gold medals at the 2025 Asian Games in Nagoya despite provisional bans on five athletes and coaching staff from the International Sepak Takraw Federation.
Thailand's Sports Authority (SAT) has consulted with the Thai Sepak Takraw Association to develop backup plans for the 20th Asian Games, scheduled for September 19 to October 4, 2025, in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. This follows the provisional suspension of five Thai sepak takraw athletes and three coaching staff members by the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF) after Thailand withdrew from the men's team final at the 2026 World Cup in Malaysia last May.
Dr. Kongsakdi Yotthamat, SAT director, confirmed that the association has the capacity to manage the situation and source capable replacement athletes. "The sepak takraw association has been clear from the start that it will appeal, but regardless of the outcome, we must accept the federation's rules and decision," he said. "We believe these processes won't impact Asian Games preparation. The association can manage this and has skilled athletes ready to step in."
Regarding Thailand's target for the Asian Games, Dr. Kongsakdi reaffirmed that the goal is four gold medals. He expressed confidence that despite potential athlete bans, the association has numerous talented athletes available to fill gaps and maintain Thailand's competitive standard in sepak takraw.
