Thai Wheelchair Fencer, 52, Targets Three Golds at Asian Para Games
Thai wheelchair fencer Saisuneeyah Janah, 52, aims for three gold medals across nine events at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, after winning six medals at the previous Games in 2023.
Saisuneeyah Janah, a fit and strong 52-year-old Thai wheelchair fencer, is gearing up to compete in nine wheelchair fencing events at the fifth Asian Para Games in Japan, aiming to sweep three individual gold medals. She has acknowledged that aging takes a toll on the body, but maintains that complete athletic discipline will lead to success.
Janah will compete before the fifth Asian Para Games, scheduled for October 18–24, 2026, in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Thailand's Sports Authority and the Paralympic Committee of Thailand have been preparing continuously. Janah has been training with the Association of Sports for the Disabled of Thailand at the National Disabled Sports Training Center in Suphan Buri Province.
Janah revealed that the Asian Para Games is a major competition. She has been training consistently to be ready for the upcoming competition. This time she will compete in all nine medal events: three individual events, three team events, and three mixed-team events across all three weapons—epee, foil, and sabre—the most she has ever competed in. Previously, organizers allowed each athlete to compete in no more than six events. She acknowledged that age brings some nagging injuries, but she works to maintain her body across all aspects, combining disciplined training more rigorously than younger competitors. She believes this will lead to success.
"I really hope to win three gold medals from all three individual weapons," Janah said. "China remains a formidable opponent, and even though my old rival Tan Shuomei won't be competing, I can't afford to be careless."
Thailand will host the Para Fencing World Cup 2026 (Para Fencing World Cup Pattaya, Thailand) from August 30 to September 2, 2026, at the Eastern Region Sports Center in Pattaya, Chon Buri Province, with over 200 athletes from around the world competing. Janah plans to use this event to test her readiness before the Asian Para Games.
Janah earned one gold medal, four silver medals, and one bronze medal at the fourth Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, People's Republic of China, in 2023.
