Thailand Badminton Eyes 1-2 Medals at Asian Games
Thailand's badminton team targets one or two medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, with star players Wiwat Kulutwut and Ratchanok Intanon leading the charge across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events.
Thailand's badminton team is ready to compete at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Air Chief Marshal Montol Satchukul, president of the Badminton Association of Thailand, is confident the team will secure one or two medals, led by world-class players Wiwat Kulutwut in men's singles and Ratchanok Intanon in women's singles.
Team manager Saralee Tungthongkham revealed that Wiwat is expected to showcase full potential in men's singles, while Ratchanok will partner with Pornpawee Chochuwong, who recently won a bronze medal at the 2026 World Championships and is currently injury-free and highly confident. Mixed doubles pairing Dechapol Puavaranukroh, who suffered a knee injury at the World Championships in August but is recovering well, will team up with Supissara Piewsaisampraan. Women's doubles will feature pairs of Benyapa Aimsaoat with Nantakanya Aimsaoat, and Hathaiphat Michad with Napapakorn Tungkhasathan as rising stars. Men's doubles pair Pirachai Sukphand and Parkkhapon Teerawatanaskul are also ready to deliver surprises.
Team manager Saralee Tungthongkham noted that the Asian Games, held every four years, require athletes to compete for their national team rather than themselves as in professional play. This creates high expectations, and those who manage pressure and minimize mistakes have strong chances of delivering excellent results. The goal of one or two medals is achievable from both individual and team events.
