Thai Fencer Saysunee Apologizes After Asian Para Games Gold Loss
Thai wheelchair fencer Saysunee "Waew" Jana apologized to the nation after losing the gold medal matches in women's foil and epee Class B at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya. Overcome with emotion, she described the loss as the most painful of her 27-year career, citing overwhelming pressure at a crucial 14-14 tie. Saysunee vowed to compete at the 2028 Paralympics in the United States as her final competition.
Thai wheelchair fencer Saysunee "Waew" Jana, a national favorite, was devastated after missing out on gold at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, losing in the women's individual foil and epee Class B finals.
Through tears, Saysunee said: "First, I must apologize to my Thai brothers and sisters for not delivering. In every match I tried, tried to beat the Chinese opponents from the first round until before the final. I thought I had won all my life, but I don't know what happened, why I froze and let them lead. I admit there was huge internal pressure. I never thought I'd be this heartbroken in my 27 years of sport. I don't understand myself — I had beaten everyone, but why did I freeze at that moment? By the time I recovered, they had pulled too far ahead. It was incredibly difficult, the heaviest experience of my life."
"At 14-14, I admit I was scared. Then we made one small mistake, not sure what it was. We had never lost to this opponent before. It was our own mistake, too much self-pressure causing the error. By the time we regained composure, it was too late."
"Honestly, I didn't want to give an interview, but since it's done and I couldn't win, I have to accept it. I'm so sorry to my family for not winning. I'm sorry to all Thai people for not winning."
Saysunee added: "But I've talked to myself: I will go to the 2028 Paralympics in the USA as my last Games. I must go. But today I must be strong. Today's sorrow ends today. I'll try to let it go because I still have duties with the team, still have team events to compete in. I cannot be weak."
