Thailand Eyes Top-6 Finish at Asian Games, Targets 15 Gold Medals
Thailand targets 15 gold medals and a top-six finish at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, with sepak takraw and tekken expected to be medal powerhouses for the Thai team.
The Sports Authority of Thailand, headed by director-general Kongsakdi Yodmani, has set a target of 15 gold medals and a top-six continental ranking at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Thai athletes have been in continuous training since the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and are arriving in Japan in stages, with most in good to excellent physical condition. Thailand expects strong medal prospects from sports including sepak takraw, which could sweep all four events, tekken with potential for three golds, weightlifting, boxing, esports, and sailing.
The authority noted that Japan and China are likely to dominate the gold medal count, with South Korea, Iran, and India also ranking among Asia's top competitors. Thailand will face direct competition from Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan to secure a top-six finish. With the host nation and China expected to claim most medals, the authority believes Thailand's 15-gold target offers a realistic path to finishing in the top six of Asia.
