Thailand Prepares for Asian Games in Nagoya, Emphasizing Sportsmanship and Cultural Diplomacy

Thailand's national athletes and officials have received a send-off ahead of the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, with Team Thailand encouraged to compete with determination, discipline, and sportsmanship. The Games will run from September 19 to October 4, featuring athletes from across Asia in a wide range of sports. Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Phancharoenworakul presided over the September 10 ceremony on behalf of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. He urged Thai athletes to respect the rules, compete fairly, and accept both victory and defeat with grace, while using sport to develop friendships with fellow competitors. Surasak also encouraged the athletes to serve as cultural ambassadors while representing Thailand on the international stage. Their conduct and interactions during the Games offer an opportunity to share Thailand’s identity, traditions, customs, and values with athletes and audiences from across the region. While winning medals remains an important goal, Surasak urged Team Thailand to perform to the best of its ability, uphold good sportsmanship, and represent the country with pride. The Thai public is also being encouraged to support the national team throughout the Games. (NNT)