Thai Taekwondo Team Seeks Blessings Before Asian Games
Thailand's taekwondo team visited Government Housing Bank headquarters on September 7 to receive support before competing at the Asian Games, then visited sacred Bangkok shrines seeking blessings for competition starting October 1.
On September 7, Thailand's taekwondo team for the 20th Asian Games visited Government Housing Bank (GHB) manager Dr. Mahattana Ampornpisit at GHB headquarters to receive encouragement before departure. Thannathit Raktabut, secretary-general of the Thai Taekwondo Association, led the athletes in the meeting.
Dr. Mahattana told the athletes he was pleased to see Thai taekwondo fighters representing the nation and wanted them to be proud of reaching this point after overcoming much difficulty. Speaking on behalf of GHB management, staff, and all Thai people, he sent his support, believing they would perform well given their long training. He encouraged them to compete against themselves with mindfulness and focus, and to remember during competition that they were not alone—they had coaches and support from people across Thailand cheering for them. He hoped to hear the Thai national anthem at these Asian Games.
After the visit, the team traveled to pay respects at Bangkok's City Pillar Shrine, the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, and Erawan Shrine to seek auspicious blessings before competing.
Thannathit said that seeking blessings from GHB leadership is a long-standing tradition of the Thai Taekwondo Association. GHB has supported Thai taekwondo for more than 20 years and helped build its successes. Paying respect to Thailand's sacred sites has been done before every major tournament to uplift and strengthen the athletes. These spiritual practices give the team peace, mindfulness, and confidence. The team is confident of achieving their target of one gold medal, though they acknowledge the challenge is tougher than before due to new rule changes. Despite some concerns, they believe their determination, discipline, and hard training will help them reach their goal. Competition will take place between October 1-3.
Head coach Chatchai Che said that after this, the fighting-sport athletes will train at Khao Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima for one week, then travel to Osaka, Japan on September 20, followed by moving to the athletes' village in Nagoya on September 27. Preparation has been thorough, though some athletes are nursing injuries from intense training in South Korea and constant competition. Mental strength is crucial, and all athletes are determined to give their best. Winning at the Asian Games is like winning the world championship, as most top taekwondo fighters are in Asia.
Meanwhile, the poomsae team will compete at the 2026 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championship in South Korea between September 16-20 before heading to the Asian Games.
