Bangkok:The Thai national team, led by Asian Games taekwondo gold medalist "Yu" Blanc Thubtimdaeng, returned to Thailand yesterday evening after a successful competition.
According to Thai News Agency, "Yu" Ballang Thabthimdaeng, who secured the gold medal in the men's under 68 kg taekwondo event at the 2026 Asian Games, arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport with "Coach Che" Chatchai Che and the Thai national taekwondo team. The team brought home a total of five medals: 1 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze. Joining them were "Bright" Tharawadee Narapornlapat and "Best" Worapirachayakorn Kongphopsarutawadee, key figures in the Thai national beach volleyball and men's volleyball teams, respectively. Also returning was "Pro Phet" Sadom Kaewkanjana, who made history by winning a bronze medal in the men's individual golf event, leading the Thai national golf team.
The canoe slalom team also celebrated victories, with Atcharaporn Duanglahwa earning a silver medal in the women's individual event and Piyanut Kerdsook securing a bronze in the men's individual event. Additionally, the women's water polo team claimed a bronze medal. Athletes from other sports such as men's football, hockey, archery, tennis, softball, padel, gymnastics, wrestling, rugby football, rock climbing, and breaking were warmly received by their families and supporters.
Yu expressed his determination to continue improving, stating that despite his gold medal win, he needs to understand his opponents better and remain focused on the present.
Meanwhile, Patcharakarn Poolkird, who won a bronze medal in the taekwondo under 49 kg weight class, visited Wat Pa Ket in Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province, to pay respects to her late father, who passed away suddenly from a ruptured cerebral blood vessel. The Taekwondo Association of Thailand is set to host the funeral rites this evening, with gratitude expressed for the support received.