Sport
Thai Mixed Martial Arts Association Confirms Athlete Gender Ahead of 2026 Asian Games
The Mixed Martial Arts Association of Thailand has officially verified the gender of athlete Kanjuta Phattabunson following eligibility concerns raised by Chinese competitors.
As the 20th Asian Games approach in Nagoya, Japan, scheduled for September 19 to October 4, 2026, the Mixed Martial Arts Association of Thailand is addressing controversy surrounding one of its top competitors. Dr. Sirichet Poolthipayanon, president of the association, confirmed that Kanjuta Phattabunson, a world champion and Asian Games qualifier, faced scrutiny from Chinese athletes who refused to compete against her during the qualifying rounds, citing doubts regarding her gender.
In response to these allegations, the association conducted an official gender verification process. Dr. Sirichet stated that the results confirm Kanjuta is female, and the association has secured the necessary documentation to support this finding. While the association is not placing undue pressure on the team to secure a gold medal, they remain optimistic about their performance given Kanjuta’s international experience and current form.
For residents and visitors following the Thai sports scene, this development highlights the rigorous administrative preparations required for international competition. While the association has provided documentation to resolve the dispute, it remains to be seen how international sporting bodies will formally process these findings during the upcoming games in Nagoya. The situation underscores the high stakes and intense scrutiny surrounding elite-level martial arts as Thailand prepares to compete on the continental stage.