Thai Swimming Dominates Asian Age Group Championships With Seven Golds
Thailand's young swimmers earned seven gold medals at the Asian Age Group Championships in Bangkok, with standout performances in the 13-14 age group and a new national record set in the 50-meter breaststroke.
Thai swimmers took home a total of seven gold medals, 21 silver and 19 bronze at the 2026 Asian Age Group Championships held at the Thai National Sports Authority pool in Huamark on July 21, the final day of competition. Thanawit Tossakul, secretary-general of the Thai Aquatic Sports Association, said the Thai diving team performed exceptionally well at this Asian Age Group event, particularly standouts Ariya Suwannapong and Lilly Prathip. However, it was regrettable that these two athletes were ineligible for the 2026 Asian Games because they did not compete in the most recent Southeast Asian Games, though both have confirmed their participation in the upcoming Malaysian SEA Games.
With strong competition from China and Japan in swimming, the event was challenging for Thailand, yet Thai swimmers in the 13-14 age group delivered impressive performances and won gold medals. Overall, the Thai youth swimming team this year competed only against the top-tier Asian programs and performed commendably. When compared with other Southeast Asian nations, they are competitive, and Thai youth statistics are even stronger.
"Sky Kingpoyam, who broke Chulamnak Rathpong Sirisaannont's 32-year-old record, did something excellent. You can see he has a good physique, determination and focus. He trains in England and is believed to be a key player for Thailand's swimming future," Thanawit said.
A highlight was Kittiphoom Pornpaisalwijit in the boys' 13-14 age group 50-meter breaststroke, who performed outstandingly, finishing with a one-lap technique in 29.76 seconds to win gold and set a new Thai national record in his age group.
Vachiranyan Thalavong claimed two silver medals in the 13-14 age group girls' category from the 50-meter freestyle in 26.59 seconds and 50-meter breaststroke in 32.48 seconds. Nattakrit Leekitchakanon, a 2026 Youth Olympic athlete, won silver in the 50-meter breaststroke, 17-18 age group girls in 32.10 seconds. Tithirat Charoenthap won silver in the 1,500-meter freestyle, 17-18 age group girls, and the team closed with a mixed 4x100-meter medley relay silver in 4:05.94.
In summary, the Thai youth swimming team earned seven gold medals, 21 silver medals and 19 bronze medals.
