Nagoya:A large contingent of Thai athletes is heading to Japan with the ambition of securing 27 gold medals at the Asian Para Games. The Thai Paralympic team will participate in the 5th Asian Para Games, "Aichi-Nagoya 2026," taking place from October 18-24, 2026, in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. This event will feature 18 sports and offer 492 gold medals, with Thailand competing in all categories.
According to Thai News Agency, the Thai delegation, comprising 265 athletes and 147 officials, totaling 412 people, departed from Suvarnabhumi Airport for Nagoya on two Thai Airways charter flights. The team includes renowned athletes such as Sai Sunee Ja-na, Rungroj Thai-niyom, Pongsakorn Pae-yo, and Chaiwat Rattana, all of whom have previously won gold medals. Mrs. Prodpran Samanmit, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), and Lieutenant Colonel Naiyanop Pirompakdi, President of the Paralympic Committee of Thailand, were present to offer encouragement at the send-off.
The decision to use charter flights was made to ensure a smooth travel experience for the athletes, allowing them to arrive together and minimize disruptions to their training and class testing scheduled for October 13-15, 2026. This measure also addressed past issues related to staggered travel and delayed arrival of essential supplies.
Mrs. Prodpran Samanmit expressed confidence in the team's ability to match their previous achievement of 27 gold medals at the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China. She emphasized the importance of the athletes performing to their fullest potential without additional pressure.
The Thailand Association for the Blind is sending 35 athletes to compete in six sports, including athletics and blind football. Mr. Warakorn Krasaetanont, advisor to the Thailand Association of the Blind Sports, highlighted the potential of their athletes, particularly in the men's 100m and 400m races, and the blind football team, which is ranked 6th globally. The association aims to exceed their previous target of three gold medals, with confidence in their athletes' capabilities.