Thailand badminton team targets two medals at Asian Games 2026

Thailand’s national badminton team has arrived in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, for the 2026 Asian Games, with the Badminton Association of Thailand setting a target of two medals at the competition from September 20-29.

The 20-member squad departed Suvarnabhumi Airport late on Wednesday (September 16) on Thai Airways flight TG644, with officials from the Badminton Association of Thailand and the Sports Authority of Thailand joining the send-off.

Gen Monton Satchukorn, president of the Badminton Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, said the players had completed preparations and were ready both physically and mentally for the tournament.

The association had previously opened training sessions to media representatives, and Monton said the athletes were determined to perform at their best and return with medals for Thai supporters.

Thailand squad arrives in Japan with medal ambitions

Monton said information and images of the competition venue in Aichi indicated that organisers were well prepared.

The Thai team travelled ahead of the tournament schedule to train at the venue and adjust to the actual court conditions before competition begins.

He also reminded the athletes that representing Thailand involved more than performances on court, encouraging them to build friendships with international competitors, promote Thai culture and maintain discipline throughout the Games.

The Badminton Association of Thailand said its main focus would be on performances during competition and encouraged Thai fans to support the national team and all Thai athletes competing at the Asian Games.

Coaches confident in balanced men’s and women’s teams

Thailand’s coaches, Pakawat Wilailak and Phatthaphon Ngern Sriso, said the squad was in strong condition after completing a two-week intensive training camp at the Sports Authority of Thailand.

Pakawat said both the men’s and women’s teams were physically ready, with no serious injuries reported. Only minor muscle tightness had affected some players, he said.

He added that the squad combined experienced players with younger athletes, with everyone sharing the goal of winning medals for Thai supporters.

Phatthaphon said the women’s team was particularly well balanced, while Thailand’s first two men’s singles players had the ability to compete against players from any nation.

He said the men’s doubles combinations would be assessed according to opponents, with Dechapol Puavaranukroh providing additional strength to the squad.

Phatthaphon said the women’s team had a strong opportunity to challenge for medals if the draw was favourable, highlighting Thailand’s depth in women’s singles.

The group includes Ratchanok Intanon, Pornpawee Chochuwong and Pitchamon Opatniput, alongside other players.

In women’s doubles, sisters Nuntakarn Aimsaard and Benyapa Aimsaard have improved their performances and moved into the role of Thailand’s second pair, strengthening the team’s options.

Thailand’s 20-player badminton squad

Thailand will compete with 10 men’s players and 10 women’s players at the Asian Games.

Men’s team

• Kunlavut Vitidsarn
• Panitchaphon Teeratsakul
• Parkpoom Teeratsakul
• Thanawat Yimjit
• Purit Aree
• Peeratchai Sukphun
• Worrapol Thongsa-nga
• Chalermpol Charoenkitamorn
• Dechapol Puavaranukroh
• Ruttanapak Oupthong

Women’s team

• Pornpawee Chochuwong
• Ratchanok Intanon
• Supanida Katethong
• Pitchamon Opatniput
• Napapakon Tungkasatan
• Hathaithip Mijad
• Benyapa Aimsaard
• Nuntakarn Aimsaard
• Supissara Paewsampran
• Chayanicha Sudjaipraparat

Badminton competition begins September 20

Badminton at the 20th Asian Games will take place from September 20-29 at Ichinomiya City Gymnasium in Aichi, Japan.

The team events will run from September 20-24, followed by individual competitions from September 25-29.

The Badminton Association of Thailand has set a target of two medals from the tournament.

Fans can watch live coverage through AIS PLAY and free-to-air broadcasters including NBT, T Sports 7, Channel 9 MCOT HD, ONE 31, Thairath TV, PPTV HD 36 and MONOMAX SPORTS TV.