Thai Sports Authority Director Kongsakd Confident Thailand Will Hit Gold Medal Target Despite Tougher Competition at Asian Beach Games
Thailand's sports chief expressed confidence the country will meet its gold medal target at the Asian Beach Games in China despite stiffer competition, citing strong performances in beach athletics and canoe racing midway through the event.
Dr. Kongsakd Yodmani, Director of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), acknowledged that competing nations at the Asian Beach Games have developed significantly, making the competition tougher for Thailand, though he remains confident the country will achieve its gold medal target. He praised Thai athletes' performance at the midway point of the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, noting commendable achievements including gold medals in beach athletics from sprinters Phuripol Bunsorn (men's 60m), Jiraphachara Khaanontakta (women's 60m), and the women's 4x60m relay, as well as a gold in men's 200m canoe racing where Thailand defeated the host Chinese team. The team has also secured multiple silver and bronze medals. "I must commend our athletes for their successful medal hauls, particularly in athletics where we've claimed golds in the highlighted sprint and relay events," Kongsakd stated. "However, we believe many other sports will perform well in the second half of competition, so let's keep supporting our athletes until the final day." He acknowledged the original target of 15 gold medals remains the goal, though some sports fell short due to significantly strengthened competition from athletes across Asia. The SAT director noted that Sepak Takraw, where Thailand has world champion-caliber athletes, remains a strong prospect. He emphasized that the investment in training camps has proven worthwhile, as Thai athletes gain invaluable competitive experience and insight into Asian standards, which will benefit their development toward the Asian Games and Olympics. The 6th Asian Beach Games features 14 sports: beach athletics, water sports (marathon swimming and water polo), 3x3 basketball, beach handball, beach soccer, beach volleyball, dragon boat racing, sport climbing, beach wrestling, jiu-jitsu, beach kabaddi, sailing (windsurfing and kiteboarding), triathlon (duathlon with swimming and running), and Sepak Takraw.
