Bangkok: Coach Thawatchai Damrongongtrakul praised his players after they staged a comeback to defeat Kyrgyzstan in their opening match of the 2026 Asian Games. Meanwhile, the Thai women's volleyball team showed excellent form, winning against Mongolia, and are scheduled to play Kyrgyzstan this evening.
According to Thai News Agency, "Coach Wang" Thawatchai Damrong-ongtrakul, head coach of the Thai men's national football team, spoke after the game where his players staged a comeback to defeat Kyrgyzstan 3-2 in their first Group A match at the 2026 Asian Games at Toyota Stadium yesterday. Thailand fell behind 2-0 but managed to win with headers from Chehanafi Mama in the 55th minute, and goals from Pariphan Wongsa in the 69th and 72nd minutes, securing their first three points of the season.
Coach Wang praised the players for their dedication and ability to bounce back. He thanked everyone for their congratulations, saying, "We had high expectations for this game. Everyone gave more than 100%. I want to thank them all."
For the next match, the Thai national team will play Hong Kong on September 20th at 2:00 PM Thailand time.
In women's volleyball at the 2026 Asian Games, in Group C, the Thai team, ranked 13th in the world and recently crowned Asian champions for 2026, with silver medals from the 2018 Asian Games and bronze medals from 2014 and 2022, will face Mongolia, ranked 130th in the world.
For this match, coach Kiattipong Ratchatagriengkrai fielded a starting six consisting of Kanyarat Khunmuang, Sasipaporn Chantavisut, Natthanicha Jaisan, Atcharaporn Kongyot, Chatchuon Moksri, and Kaewkallaya Kamulthala, with Piyanut Paennoy as the libero. The Thai women's team won the game in three sets, 25-12, 25-18, and 25-18. This evening, Thailand will face Kyrgyzstan at 5:00 PM Thailand time.