Puripol Ends 48-Year Gold Drought for Thailand in Asian Games 100m

Thailand has a new sprint king as Puripol Boonson blazed to victory in the men's 100m final at the 2026 Asian Games on September 25, clocking a sensational 9.90 seconds. This momentous win ends a 48-year drought for Thailand in the prestigious event. Puripol had already served notice of his blistering form earlier in the day, setting a new Asian Games record of 9.91 seconds in the semi-finals. He then went on to shatter his own mark in the final, crossing the finish line first with an even faster 9.90 seconds. The silver medal went to Oman's Ali Al Balushi with a time of 10.04 seconds, while his compatriot Malham Al Balushi secured the bronze in 10.11 seconds. Puripol's triumph makes him only the third Thai athlete to ever win the men's 100m gold at the Asian Games. He follows in the footsteps of Anan Rattanapol, who clinched gold at the 1974 Asian Games in Iran, and Suchart Jaesuraphap, the winner at the 1978 Asian Games held in Bangkok. His victory marks a significant return to glory for Thailand in this iconic track and field discipline.