Bangkok: The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has issued a warning to the Thai Asian Games team regarding the risks associated with doping, emphasizing the importance of ongoing educational awareness campaigns. The SAT highlights that prevention is a better strategy than dealing with the consequences of doping violations.
According to Thai News Agency, in preparation for the 20th Asian Games scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4, 2026, in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, the SAT has taken proactive measures to address the issue of banned substances. Continuous training and education are being offered to sports associations and athletes to ensure compliance with doping regulations.
Dr. Kongsak Yodmani, Governor of the SAT, stated that this year, the authority has been relentless in providing training on banned substances to ensure athletes are well-informed before participating in various sporting events. The emphasis remains on prevention, which is deemed more effective than remediation, especially given the significance of this issue on the international sports stage.
Dr. Kongsak further expressed confidence that the Thai athletes will not face problems related to banned substances at the upcoming Asian Games. He attributed this confidence to rigorous preventative measures in place, particularly to guard against unforeseen technical errors. He noted that any errors would likely be unintentional, possibly stemming from the consumption of certain foods or medications.
The SAT has reiterated the importance of vigilance among athletes concerning banned substances, ensuring that all measures align with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines. WADA officers are expected to conduct random checks during the games to enforce compliance.
Dr. Kongsak concluded by assuring that the 20th Asian Games will be broadcasted live and free for viewers in Thailand, primarily on T SPORTS 7, with additional coverage by partner channels. He encouraged the Thai public to support their athletes by tuning into the live broadcasts throughout the competition.