Thailand Women's Water Polo Eyes Medal at 2026 Asian Games
Thailand's women's water polo team has departed for Japan to compete in the 2026 Asian Games, where they'll face Japan, China, and Kazakhstan in a round-robin tournament from September 20–24 in Nagoya. The SEA Games champions aim for a meda
Thailand's women's water polo team has completed their journey to Japan in preparation for competing in the 2026 Asian Games. Before departure, General Petchrat Limppraserit, vice-chairman and treasurer of the Thai Water Sports Association, and Sueb Chaiyya, head of the water polo division, addressed and encouraged the athletes to build morale before competition.
The women's water polo tournament at the 2026 Asian Games will take place from September 20–24 at Nagoya Gymnasium Rainbow Pool, featuring six competing nations: Japan, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Singapore, and Thailand. The tournament uses a round-robin format, with the top-performing team claiming the gold medal.
According to Thanawit Tosakaul, secretary-general of the Thai Water Sports Association, Thailand's SEA Games-champion team faces a tough draw from the opening match. The team plays its opening game against host Japan on September 20 at 2:30 p.m. Japan time (12:30 p.m. Thailand time). On September 21 at 4:05 p.m. Japan time (2:05 p.m. Thailand time), Thailand faces China, another formidable Asian opponent.
A key match to watch is September 22 at 2:30 p.m. Japan time (12:30 p.m. Thailand time) against Kazakhstan. The coach views this game as critical to medal hopes; a victory would significantly boost Thailand's chances for a bronze medal. In the final two matches, Thailand faces Uzbekistan on September 23 at 2:30 p.m. Japan time (12:30 p.m. Thailand time) and Singapore on September 24 at 5:20 p.m. Japan time (3:20 p.m. Thailand time). The team aims to win both matches to finish strong and bring home a medal.
The Thai women's water polo squad includes: Thanita Kongchuay, Nareenant Kittipolluppavorak, Panchita Rojvattanodissakul, Thanida Kanchan Kwantong Thanareev, Saorocha Rueang Sapai, Pithayaporn Kwantong Thanareev, Rakshina Rueang Sapai, Panita Pukgaman, Pimppin Gam Jeurin Sukathavorn, Parunee Chotirojjananan, Kanthareuthai Riangsan Thieya, Nattamon Kamma, Phandhila Asayuth, Chanista Thinvilai, and Krishana Puang Thong.
The coaching and support staff include: Wattana Kanthichosei as team manager, Maksim Kordosnkiy as head coach, Saorocha Rivrujireuk as assistant coach, and Punmanas Udomvitthyanukul as physiotherapist.
