Chuncheon: The Thai Poomsae team showcased an impressive performance at the 2026 Chuncheon World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in South Korea, earning a total of 3 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze medals, thereby securing second place overall.
According to Thai News Agency, the event saw participation from 1,899 athletes representing 83 countries. Thailand's contingent consisted of 25 athletes competing in 21 events across junior, youth, and senior categories. Notably, two athletes from the team will compete in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
In the senior mixed doubles Poomsae category for athletes under 30, Thai athletes Thana Khiewlailert and "Seetoon" Chutikarn Lapnitayaphan outperformed competitors from 47 countries. The duo achieved a significant victory against Indonesia in the final, scoring 9.180 points, thereby clinching Thailand's first gold medal in the senior category at the World Championships.
Additionally, the Thai national taekwondo poomsae team secured a silver medal in the mixed team freestyle event for athletes over 17 years old. The team, comprising Achariya Kerdkaew, Ratchapol Yaibua, Suwapich Sirisinrungruang, Sasipha Chuphol, Thitaree Kaewolarnwasu, and Chonlakorn Chayawatdho, finished with 9.480 points, narrowly losing to Mexico's 9.520 points.
The boys' junior team, featuring Nitikorn Yimprasert, Punnavich Hongyisi-et, and Pongsakorn Thongdee, faced an early exit after losing to Chinese Taipei in the first round.
Thana Khiewlailert and Chutikarn Lapnitayaphan, the mixed doubles Poomsae world champions, credited their success to their dedication, rigorous training, mutual trust, and effective coaching. They aim to continue their development and defend their world titles in future competitions.
Lee Na-yeon, head coach of the Thai national team, highlighted the team's perseverance and dedication as key factors in achieving the gold medal at the World Championships for the first time in a decade. She emphasized the need for further development to maintain competitiveness at future World Championships.
Overall, the Thai athletes' performance secured them second place behind hosts South Korea. The team is set to return to Thailand on September 21st to prepare for the 2026 Asian Games, where they will compete for two gold medals in the men's and women's individual events, with athletes Nawin Pindasut and Chutikarn Lapnitayaphan securing quotas.