Thailand's Weightlifters Set Sights on 2026 Asian Games
Thai weightlifters Veeraphol Vichuma and Surjana Kambao are training intensely with support from Thailand's state power company EGAT to compete in the 2026 Asian Games, with both athletes aiming to bring home medals and advance their career
Thai national athletes' path to the Asian Games stage is built on years of rigorous training, sweat, fatigue, and the resilience to overcome disappointment and start again. Each lift and stroke carries hidden stories and countless efforts behind it. For Thai competitors, the 2026 Asian Games represents more than an international competition—it is a testament to their determination and a chance to transform individual dreams into national pride.
Throughout this journey, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has continuously supported Thai sports, particularly weightlifting and rowing. Their support spans from discovering and developing young athletes, providing training facilities and personnel, to pushing athletes toward international competition stages and creating opportunities for continuous growth and preparation.
One athlete preparing for the competition is Veeraphol Vichuma, nicknamed Wave, a 22-year-old Thai national weightlifter. His path began with a love of sports before discovering weightlifting by chance as a middle school student. From his first encounter with a barbell, he gradually learned and trained continuously, becoming one of Thailand's most promising athletes today. Life at EGAT's weightlifting center in Chiang Mai involves not just lifting but also nutrition care, rest, and recovery from intense training programs. Before competition, Wave meditates, reviews his lifting techniques, and clears his mind to focus on the competition ahead, with a long-term goal of reaching the 2028 Olympics. "My idol is myself. I want to do better each day and reach the 2028 Olympics," Wave said.
Similarly, Surjana Kambao, nicknamed Oy, another Thai national weightlifter, began her journey as a child who loved multiple sports. A physical education teacher recognized her potential and encouraged her into weightlifting. On her first training day, she didn't even know how to begin, practicing snatch and clean-and-jerk techniques with PVC pipes for months before touching an actual barbell. Since then, Oy trains intensely six days a week with support from sports psychologists and physical therapists. Her goal for these Asian Games is to bring a medal home for Thailand, driven by her family and the life changes sports have brought her. "When I feel discouraged, I think of my family. Weightlifting gave me work, income, and clear life goals. Every day I must give my best. Thank you to EGAT for always supporting weightlifting. For these Asian Games, I ask Thai people to support all Thai weightlifters and athletes," Oy said.
Air Vice Marshal Wattanchai Charoenrat, executive board member and head of athlete preparation for the Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association, noted that the Asian Games serves as a miniature world stage, bringing together top-level weightlifters.
