Pongsakorn headlines golden day for Thailand at Asian Para Games
2016 Paralympic Games gold medallist Pongsakorn Paeyo has captured his fourth gold medal at the Jakarta Asian Para Games, this time in the men’s wheelchair 200m T53.
The 21-year-old from Khon Kaen, winner of the men’s wheelchair 400m and 800m T53 in Rio de Janeiro two years ago, had a winning time of 27.59 seconds.
His previous triumphs came in the 100m, 400m and 800m.
With four wins, he became Thailand’s most multi-time gold medallist in the Games.
“I’m so proud of myself to have won all the events that I entered,” said Pongsakorn, who also took the 200m silver medal at the 2015 World Championships in Doha.
“In fact I was so tired coming into today’s event as it was after midnight when we returned to the Athlete Village. I had only five hours for sleeping and had to wake up at six to make it on time for the competition this morning. However I gave my all out there because it was my last event,” said Pongsakorn, who was born with polio in both legs.
Countryman Silver Piche Krungget took the silver in 28.07 seconds, while Chinese Yang Shaqqiao was third in 28.69 seconds. Thailand also won three bronzes – from Peth Rungsri in men’s 200m T52 and men’s 200m T51/52, and from Boonkong Sanepoot in the men’s shot put F20.
In shooting, Anuson Chaichamnan won the mixed 10m air rifle prone after firing a total 253.8 points, a new Games record.
Two South Korean Lee Jiseok and Jeon Youngjun finished second and third, shooting 252.7 and 230.4 points respectively.
Thailand have reaped 23 gold medals and stand seventh in the medals table.
China, with 161 gold medals, are guaranteed to be the overall champions with Iran coming a distant second with 50 golds. The Games end on Saturday.
