Thai Taekwondo Poomsae Team Eyes Gold at World Championships
Thailand's taekwondo poomsae team of 25 athletes departed for South Korea's 2026 World Championships, targeting at least one gold medal after strong training performances across open, youth, and junior divisions.
Thailand's taekwondo poomsae team departed Suvarnabhumi Airport on the evening of September 12 aboard Asiana Airlines flight OZ472 to compete in the 2026 Chuncheon World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in South Korea from September 16-20. Thanthit Rakkhabutron, secretary-general of the Thailand Taekwondo Association, saw the team off and offered words of encouragement.
Thanthit stated that the association is sending 25 athletes across 21 events, covering open, youth, and junior divisions. Although the team did not win gold two years ago, this time the association has set a confident target of securing at least one gold medal. Based on ongoing contact with the athletes, the coaching staff reports that the team has trained exceptionally well and is expected to perform strongly. Among the 25 athletes are several who also competed in the 20th Asian Games in Japan, and a strong world championship showing is expected to translate into medals at the Asian Games as well.
Coach Ornawee Srisahkit, a member of the coaching staff, noted that the athletes have maintained their condition consistently and trained as expected. Physical conditioning is excellent, and the team is confident of delivering strong results across all divisions without targeting any specific category.
The Thai athletes competing are:
Open Division (12 athletes): Chalonn Chayawattakao, Chutikaanch Labhnitiyaphan, Thitaree Gaolochaenvasue, Ratchdawal Tapeeyantong, Watchakul Limjitrokorn, Sasipha Chupol, Thana Khewyailaert, Nawin Pintasut, Ratchapol Yaibua, Ppakorn Wechkornpatiwong, Suwaipitch Sirisinnrungrian, Achariya Kertkaew
Youth Division (9 athletes): Sawamonen Thongbanbor, Suchanant Injaeng, Natnari Khamsad, Rinrada Namtongthai, Peersakdi Sansanit, Punnapich Hongyeesibet, Pongsakorn Thongdi, Pannathon Siriserm, Nithikorn Yimpresirt
Junior Division (4 athletes): Punyisa Thanikulkittithaneth, Tosang Kertdaeng, Aline Lertmongkolswasdi, Chiranath Benszipa
Lee Na Yoon, the South Korean head coach of Thailand's taekwondo poomsae team, travelled to South Korea in advance of the competition.
