Thailand Targets Three Golds at 2026 Asian Games with World-Class Tekball Team

Thailand's tekball federation is sending a full-strength contingent to compete at the 20th Asian Games, headlined by world number one and 2025 world champions Nid Supavadee Wongkamchan and Yok Chutathip Kanthadang in women's doubles. The team also includes 2025 world runners-up So Sarasak Thaosin and Tum Jeerat Chanleang in men's doubles, and second-ranked mixed doubles pair Nid Supavadee Wongkamchan and Ton Patpong Detchareun, who are also 2025 world runners-up. The federation says athletes are in peak condition after receiving comprehensive sports science support from Thailand's sports authority.

Tekball makes its debut as a medal sport at the 20th Asian Games, scheduled for September 19 to October 4, 2026, in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Nations can enter only three of the five event categories—men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles—with the exception of the host nation Japan, which can enter all five. Thailand has strategically chosen to compete in men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles, aiming to win gold in all three events.

Federation Secretary General Rear Admiral Priyaphat Jarulapong said the federation will pursue the three-gold target with full commitment, acknowledging formidable competitors including Japan, Iraq, North Korea, Indonesia, and Myanmar. She noted that while some rules and regulations have been modified, Thai athletes have been adapting well. Training has focused not only on skills, technique, and tactics but also on sports science, with the sports authority providing comprehensive support. Mental conditioning from sports psychology expert Prof. Dr. Suebsai Boonyirobot has been crucial in helping athletes manage pressure and overcome difficult situations. The team is now fully prepared and ready to deliver success at these Asian Games.