Olympic Hero Somjit Jongjohor Encourages Thai Boxers Ahead of Asian Games

With the 20th Asian Games officially opening on September 19, 2026, in Nagoya, Japan, attention is turning toward the Thai national boxing team. According to Khaosod Online, Olympic gold medalist Somjit Jongjohor has publicly encouraged the current generation of Thai boxers to manage their mental state and avoid excessive pressure while competing on the international stage.

Somjit, a two-time Asian Games gold medalist, noted that thorough preparation is the key to securing medals. The Thai boxing team remains a primary hope for the nation, despite a long drought in the sport at the Asian Games; the last time a Thai boxer secured a medal in this competition was in 2014, when Wuttichai Masuk won in the 64kg category in South Korea. Somjit expressed optimism that the current squad will return with medals, noting that the national goal across all sports for this event is to reach or exceed 18 gold medals.

For residents and travelers in Thailand, this event highlights the high expectations placed on national athletes during major regional competitions. While the boxing team’s potential is a point of national pride, it remains to be confirmed how many medals the team will ultimately secure, as the competition in Nagoya is just beginning. Fans are encouraged to follow the official results as the tournament progresses.