Bangkok: The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) is gearing up for the 20th Asian Games in Japan next year, building on its triumph as the overall gold medal winner at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Dr. Kongsak Yodmani, Governor of the SAT, has announced plans for a stringent selection process to prioritize quality over quantity in the athlete roster, aiming for even greater achievements.
According to Thai News Agency, after the Thai national team secured an impressive array of medals at the SEA Games hosted by Thailand from December 9-20, 2025, with 233 gold, 154 silver, and 112 bronze, they clinched the overall gold medal title for the 14th time. This marked a significant comeback, being the first time in a decade since Thailand last achieved this in Singapore in 2015.
Dr. Kongsak highlighted the exceptional performance of Thai athletes in the Olympic sports category during the SEA Games, where several world records were set in disciplines like athletics and weightlifting. These achievements have fueled the SAT's determination to prepare the Thai national team for both the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, in 2026, and the 34th Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA, in 2028. The SAT plans to collaborate closely with sports associations and implement continuous training camps to capitalize on this success.
Dr. Kongsak further elaborated on the strategy for the upcoming Asian Games, stating that the SAT will prioritize a rigorous selection process to ensure high-quality representation. This approach contrasts with the previous 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, where the focus was on a larger contingent. The aim is to achieve superior results with a more refined team.
The 20th Asian Games are scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4, 2026, in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The event will feature 41 sports, including 32 that are part of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with participation expected from 15,000 athletes and officials representing 45 countries.