Sport
Kieran Tuntivate to Skip 2026 Asian Games to Focus on Marathon Training
Thai-British athlete Kieran Tuntivate has confirmed he will not participate in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, shifting his focus toward marathon competition and the 2028 Olympics.
According to a report by Khaosod Online Thailand, 29-year-old athlete Kieran Tuntivate has announced he will not be part of the Thai national athletics team for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Japan. Tuntivate, a triple gold medalist at the 33rd SEA Games, expressed his regret regarding the decision via social media.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Surapong Ariyamongkol, senior vice president and secretary-general of the Athletics Association of Thailand, clarified that the athlete had informed the association of his decision back in June. Tuntivate is currently transitioning his training focus entirely toward the 42.195-kilometer marathon distance. The association noted that his future participation with the Thai national team is now aimed at qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games.
For residents and visitors interested in Thai sports, this development marks a significant shift in the career trajectory of one of the country's most prominent middle-to-long-distance runners. While his absence from the Asian Games is confirmed, fans of the sport will be watching to see how his transition to the marathon format progresses. It remains to be confirmed how his training schedule will impact his availability for other regional events leading up to the 2028 Olympic qualification cycle.
