Thai Windsurfing Team Uses IQ Foil European Championship to Test Asian Games Rival Format
Thailand's windsurfing team is competing at the IQ Foil European Championship in Portugal to test strategies against Asian Games rivals from Japan, China, and Hong Kong before the 2026 Nagoya Games.
Thailand's windsurfing team is using the 2026 IQ Foil European Championship in Portimão, Portugal (May 16-23, 2026) to test competition systems against Asian Games rivals from Japan, China, and Hong Kong, with goals of placing athletes in the gold fleet (top half rankings). The six-member Thai team—Nittipat Chaiyawutwet, Siriporn Kaewduanggam, Vachirawit Tanuap, Vachirawit Manbuamrung, Ratchananon Khunjeng, and Chanatakan Charoensouk—arrived early on May 4 for training under coaches Natthapong Potinpratton and Sakda Skulfang.
According to Pattana Bunsawat, secretary of the Thai Windsurfing Association, the team initially faced stormy weather upon arrival but subsequently conducted intensive sea training once conditions improved with moderate winds and calm waves. All Thai athletes are performing well in these conditions.
The competition serves as a critical test against Japan, China, and Hong Kong competitors ahead of the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan (September 19-October 4, 2026). The open-category athletes aim for top placements while youth competitors focus on building strength and gaining experience from international-level athletes.
