Bangkok: The first day of the 2026 Asian Age Group Championships witnessed an impressive performance by Sky Kingpoyom Sharper, who clinched a silver medal in the 200m individual medley, breaking the longstanding record set by "Shark Nook" at the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima. Maria-Maria Neddelka also shone brightly, securing a gold medal in the women's 400m freestyle Group A. On this eventful day, Thailand's swimming team amassed a total of 1 gold, 5 silver, and 6 bronze medals. According to Thai News Agency, the championships, presided over by Dr. Kongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, are held at the Sports Authority of Thailand's swimming pool in Hua Mak. The event features 615 athletes from 34 countries competing for 62 gold medals. Maria-Maria Neddelka, noted for her prior achievement as a 2025 SEA Games gold medalist, led the Thai team to a gold medal in the women's 4x200m freestyle relay. She completed the women's 400m freestyle Group A event in an impressive 4:20.67 minutes. Sky Kingpoyom Sharper, a 17-year-old talent and son of renowned Thai model Metinee Kingpoyom, achieved his silver medal finish in the men's 200m individual medley, Group A. His time of 2:03.68 minutes surpassed the previous record of 2:04.16 minutes, set 32 years ago by Rattapong Sirisanont, also known as "Shark Nook." In other events, Kittipoom Pornpaisanvichit earned a silver medal in the men's 200m individual medley, Group C, with a time of 2:11.91 minutes. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Good-Chanya Phanfueng captured two bronze medals in the girls' 100m butterfly and 200m individual medley, with times of 1:03.66 and 2:23.42 minutes, respectively. Thanapat Pinsanoe added to Thailand's medal tally with a bronze in the men's 200m individual medley, Group B, finishing in 2:06.12 minutes. Nattakrita Leekitjajorn also secured a bronze in the women's 200m individual medley, Group A, with a time of 2:21.68 minutes. The Thai team achieved further success in the 4x100m freestyle relay, winning three silver medals across different groups. The men's Group B team, consisting of Thanapat Phinsanoh, Theethat Charoentrapayanan, Supakphong Nantaphiwan, and Achawin Sutthivorachai, clocked a time of 3:28.52 minutes. The male Group C relay team, including Phumes Phetsakol, Suppakorn Kaewsutthipol, Premnat Angsusinh, and Natchanit Laisiriphan, finished in 3:39.81 minutes. The female Group B team, comprising Warisara Nopthong, Manee Kaewpichit, Natthanicha Lohacharu, and Chayanisorn Siraphongrak, completed their race in 3:53.52 minutes. In the Women's Group C relay, Nong Good-Chanya Phanfueng, along with Orawee Intapra-udom, Wachiraya Thalawong, and Nitsajin Chiewsappakit, achieved a time of 4:00.14 minutes. The female Group A team, featuring Maria-Maria Neddelka, Nattakrita Leekitjajorn, Kanittha Tangnapakorn, and Kanyaphat Rinthon, finished their event in 3:52.84 minutes. After a day of thrilling competition, the Thai swimming team concludes the first day with a commendable haul of 1 gold, 5 silver, and 6 bronze medals.
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