Thai Taekwondo Secures Gold Medal at Asian Games
Thailand's taekwondo team won one gold, one silver and three bronze medals at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. Coach Ze Chatchai said the result met the target of one gold and two bronzes, praising the athletes’ effort despite missing several weight classes. He also highlighted the mental strength of Im Patcharakorn Phuengkoet, who won bronze after losing her father shortly before the event.
The Thailand Taekwondo Association delivered an outstanding performance at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, securing one gold, one silver, and three bronze medals. The medals came as one gold and two bronzes in sparring, and one silver and one bronze in poomsae. Coach Ze Chatchai, head of the national taekwondo sparring team, said the squad achieved its goal of one gold and two bronzes, which he considered a success, although he regretted missing some weight classes, noting the athletes gave their all. He remarked that even without double Olympic champion Panipak Wongpattanakit, Thai taekwondo has progressed, but every Asian nation is strong, so continued development is needed. He cited Panipak’s decade‑long development as an example, saying younger athletes such as Im Patcharakorn Phuengkoet in the women’s 49 kg division and Khanomjeeb Nathakorn Wasna in the 57 kg category must follow a similar path, adding that both are young and aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with confidence they will be ready for the 2032 Brisbane Games. Coach Ze also praised Im’s heart after she lost her father a week before competition, saying her bronze medal showed tremendous mental strength and that he was happy she could win a medal for her father. Association president Associate Professor Pimol Sriwichit added that finally securing a gold relieved earlier worries, especially after Ballang Thaptimdaeng had to move up from 63 kg to 68 kg, but his skill, style and experience earned the top prize. He noted that the association has won gold in each of the past four Asian Games, expressed pride in all athletes, thanked supporters, and said the focus now shifts toward the 2028 Olympics.
