Windsurfing Federation Pleased with Athlete's Performance at Asian Beach Games, Securing First Medal in 12 Years

The Thai windsurfing team achieved a satisfying result at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, after 'Whalee' Wachirwit Thanupp captured a bronze medal in the IQFoil Men's U21 category. The windsurfing competition offered two gold medals at stake. In the men's U21 IQFoil division, Wachirwit finished with 39 penalty points, tying with Denver John Castillo from the Philippines at 19 penalty points, but Castillo's superior heat scores secured him the silver medal. Gold went to Yiqua Wang from China with 12 penalty points. In the same men's category, 'Glao' Ratchanon Khunjueng finished 8th with 78 penalty points. In the women's U21 IQFoil division, 'Cake' Chanatagan Charoensu finished 8th with 77 penalty points, and 'Joy' Wannida Wintachai placed 10th with 91 penalty points. Gold in the women's event went to Yimin Chen from China (18 penalty points), silver to Ching Suouit Yuan from Hong Kong (18 penalty points), and bronze to Li Qing from China (24 penalty points). The Thai team operates under coaches Sakkda Skullfang and Nat Phongprawat. Pattana Bunsawat, Secretary-General of the Thai Windsurfing Association, who traveled to support the team, expressed satisfaction with the bronze medal achievement, noting that Thai athletes aged 16-17 competed against older opponents in the U21 category. Despite physical disadvantages and less experience, all athletes performed with full effort, he added, thanking athletes, coaches, and sponsors for their dedication. This marks Thailand's first medal at the Asian Beach Games in 12 years, with the last competition occurring in 2014 in Phuket, where the team won two silver medals through Siriporn Kaewdwangngan and Nat Phongprawat.