Thailand Targets 17 Gold Medals at Asian Para Games
Thailand aims for 17 gold medals at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya this October, led by world-record wheelchair racers Pongsakorn Bpaiyao and Athiwat Phaengnua competing against strong rivals from China, South Korea, and Japan.
The Thai Sports Association for Persons with Disabilities is fielding a competitive squad targeting no fewer than 17 gold medals, with renowned wheelchair racers Pongsakorn Bpaiyao and Athiwat Phaengnua carrying world records into the hunt for championship titles.
Thailand's para-sports delegation will compete at the 5th Asian Para Games from October 18-24 in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The effort is coordinated by the Sports Authority of Thailand in partnership with the Thai Paralympic Committee and four sports associations: the Thai Sports Association for Persons with Disabilities, the Thai Sports Association for the Blind, the Thai Sports Association for Persons with Cerebral Palsy, and the Thai Sports Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. The athletes have been in continuous preparation since the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima in January, with a combined team goal of 24 gold medals.
Maitree Kongruang, president of the Thai Sports Association for Persons with Disabilities, disclosed that his organization is preparing athletes across 15 disciplines, most training at the National Para Sports Training Centre in Nakhon Ratchasima and Suphan Buri, with taekwondo based in Bangkok, cycling in Chiang Mai, badminton at the Thai-Thailand Club in Nonthaburi, and table tennis at Bangkok Thonburi University.
"All athletes are fully committed to their training. They have been in continuous preparation since the ASEAN Para Games, taking only one month's rest in February before resuming extended training until now. We are grateful to the Sports Authority of Thailand for their full support, which has made our athletes stronger," he said.
The Thai Sports Association for Persons with Disabilities represents the highest hopes for Thailand's para team, with a 17-gold-medal target led by world-class athletes Pongsakorn Bpaiyao and Athiwat Phaengnua, wheelchair racers who recently broke world records and won the international para-athletics championship in Switzerland in May, expected to deliver at least 6 golds. Additional medal prospects include wheelchair fencer Saiyasuneeyah Chana, expected to bring 3-4 golds; track and field athletes Sasirawanan Inthochot and Plathip Khamtha, targeting 3 golds; badminton players Nathapong Meechai (world no. 1) and Mongkhol Boonson, with potential for 2 golds; shooters Anusorn Chaichamnuay and Atidej Intnon, expected to secure over 2 golds; and table tennis, hoping for 5 golds.
"Our athletes have set a target of no fewer than 17 gold medals. Based on their continuous training, we are confident they will meet that goal. Our main competitors are China, South Korea, Japan, and several Middle Eastern nations that have improved their athlete preparation," Maitree concluded.
