Thailand Eyes Deep Run at Asian Games in Japan
Thailand's under-23 football team and women's volleyball squad are preparing for the Asian Games in Nagoya, with officials confident both teams can advance from group stages and medal contention.
The Thai Sports Authority (TAT) has announced full preparations for two popular Thai team sports heading to the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. U-23 men's football team "War Elephant" will compete in Group A alongside Japan (host), Kyrgyzstan, and Hong Kong, while the women's indoor volleyball team is placed in Group C with Chinese Taipei, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia.
TAT director Kongsakdi Yodmanee said Thailand's under-23 football squad views facing World Cup-caliber Japan as a valuable opportunity and believes the team will comfortably advance from the group stage with a genuine shot at the knockout round. He noted that such chances to play top-tier opponents are rare. Regarding women's volleyball, Kongsakdi expressed confidence the team will win at least a bronze medal, pointing to Thailand's history as a former Asian champion and previous Games medalist. He identified China, Japan, and South Korea as the main threats but remains optimistic about securing a medal.
The men's football tournament features 15 nations split into four groups: Group A has Japan, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, and Hong Kong; Group B includes China, UAE, Iran, and North Korea; Group C features Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Philippines, and Kuwait; and Group D comprises South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The women's volleyball competition has 14 teams across four groups, with top two finishers from each group advancing to the knockout stage.
