Thai Women's Sepak Takraw Wins Gold, South Korea Improving Rapidly
Thailand's women's sepak takraw team captured their fifth consecutive Asian Games gold medal with a 2-0 victory over South Korea at the Nagoya competition on September 25. Players noted South Korea's rapid improvement as an emerging threat
Thailand's women's sepak takraw team defeated South Korea 2-0 in the Asian Games final on September 25 at Nagoya City Mizuho Park in Aichi Prefecture. Team A, led by Nipaporn Salubpol, Masaya Duangsri, and Wilaiwan Kotprom, won a tight first set 15-13 before dominating the second 15-5. Team B then secured the sweep with commanding performances in both sets, winning 15-7 and 15-6 as Rassamee Thongsod repeatedly broke through South Korea's blocks. Thailand's victory marks their seventh women's team Asian Games gold and their fifth consecutive title, bringing their total medal count at these Games to six gold medals. South Korea took silver and Indonesia claimed bronze. After the match, player Atikant Kongkaew expressed pride that sepak takraw represents Thailand's hopes, noting that South Korea has developed significantly over the past one to two years and has become a real threat. She also spoke in the Southern Thai dialect, encouraging young people from the South to pursue the sport and join the national team. Nipaporn Salubpol added that South Korea played defensively, forcing Thailand to adapt their strategy by shifting tactics and pushing harder. She credited the team's aggressive serving and attacking approach for securing the 2-0 victory. Kaewjai Pumswanggaew, 37, earned her fifth Asian Games gold medal from her fifth Games appearance, attributing her success to discipline, dedication, and careful self-care. Wilaiwan Kotprom, competing in her first Asian Games after playing in last year's Southeast Asian Games, expressed excitement and joy at the achievement.
