Bangkok: Saithasunee Jaena, a renowned Thai wheelchair fencer and three-time Paralympic gold medalist, is determined to secure two gold medals at the upcoming 13th ASEAN Para Games. Despite her illustrious career, Jaena has yet to win a medal at this event due to the absence of competitions in her preferred fencing disciplines in past editions.
According to Thai News Agency, Jaena, affectionately known as "Waew," is a 51-year-old athlete who made history by becoming the first woman to win three gold medals in a single Paralympic Games at the 2024 event in France. As she prepares for the ASEAN Para Games, which will be held from January 20-26, 2026, in Nakhon Ratchasima, Jaena expressed her readiness to compete after rigorous training supported by the Sports Authority of Thailand. She aims to finally achieve a gold medal at this regional event.
Jaena highlighted that her absence from previous ASEAN Para Games was due to the exclusion of women's wheelchair fencing. With the inclusion of this sport in the upcoming Games, she aims to promote and develop athletes in the ASEAN region. She noted that the event is significant as it features in global and Asian competitions, including the Paralympics and Asian Para Games.
Jaena will compete in the ©p©e and foil Class B categories and aims to clinch both gold medals. She emphasized her preparation since the 2024 Paralympics and expressed her desire to win in front of Thai sports fans. Additionally, she plans to use this competition as a stepping stone for the world ranking tournaments in Italy and the Asian Para Games in Japan later in the year.
Despite her success in other international competitions, the ASEAN Para Games have eluded Jaena due to the non-inclusion of her preferred events. The 13th edition will feature both men's and women's categories in ©p©e, saber, and foil, taking place at The Mall Korat in Nakhon Ratchasima province.