Sport
Thailand Prepares for 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya
Thai sports officials have announced their targets and support for the 900-member national delegation heading to the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
On August 24, 2026, the Thai Sports Journalists Association hosted the 'Meet the Press' event at Rajamangala Stadium to discuss Thailand's preparations for the 20th Asian Games. The games are scheduled to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
Surasak Phancharoenworakul, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, confirmed full government support for the national delegation, which consists of over 900 individuals. The Minister emphasized that all athletes who have successfully qualified will be provided the necessary backing to compete.
During the briefing, eight sports associations outlined their performance goals. Taekwondo, Kurash, and Ju-Jitsu associations have collectively set a target of three gold medals. Meanwhile, representatives from Karate, Judo, MMA, and cycling expressed their intent to secure at least one medal in their respective categories, while the Wushu association aims for a top-five finish.
For residents and travelers, this event highlights the significant national focus on the upcoming games. While the government has pledged comprehensive support for the athletes, the final medal count and the specific performance outcomes for each discipline remain to be determined during the competition period in Japan. The event serves as a formal declaration of Thailand's sporting ambitions on the international stage.