Thailand Women’s Sepak Takraw Team Wins 7th Asian Games Gold Medal

Nagoya:The women's sepak takraw team from Thailand has secured their 7th Asian Games gold medal and 5th consecutive win by defeating South Korea 2-0 in a thrilling final. According to Thai News Agency, the final took place at Nagoya City Mizuho Park in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. The match featured the six-time champions Thailand against last year's runner-up South Korea in a best-of-three series. Team A of Thailand included Nipaporn Salubpol as the server, Masaya Duangsri as the setter, and Wilaiwan Kotprom as the hitter. The first set was closely contested, with the score tied at 13-13 before Thailand edged out South Korea 15-13 and then dominated the second set 15-5, securing a 1-0 lead. In the subsequent match, Team B, consisting of Atikarn Kongkaew as the server, Kaewjai Phumsawangkaew as the setter, and Rasamee Thongsood as the hitter, delivered a strong performance. Rasamee's spikes were particularly effective, leading to a 15-7 and 15-6 win, sealing the overall victory 2-0 for Thailand. This triumph marked Thailand's 6th gold medal at the Asian Games, with South Korea taking silver and Indonesia winning bronze. After the match, Atikarn Kongkaew expressed satisfaction with the victory, noting South Korea's improvement and the increasingly competitive nature of the final. She expressed joy in fulfilling the hopes of the Thai people with their win. The Thai women's team is also aiming for another gold medal in the upcoming four-person event, starting on September 30th.