Bangkok: The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the preparation of the Thai national team for the upcoming 20th Asian Games, scheduled to take place from September 19th to October 4th, 2026, in Nagoya, Japan. Dr. Kongsak Yodmani, Governor of the SAT, has outlined the comprehensive strategy being employed to ensure the optimal selection and readiness of athletes representing Thailand in this prestigious event.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Kongsak emphasized the importance of clear selection criteria, which are primarily based on qualifications set by each sports federation, world rankings, and the potential of athletes for further development towards the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. These criteria ensure that only athletes who meet specific standards are chosen, guaranteeing a cost-effective approach to the competition. The SAT is committed to sending athletes who represent high value for the government's budget.
The Thai national team has seen significant progress, with 667 athletes from 47 sports associations qualifying for the 20th Asian Games. Notably, an additional 20 athletes from the men's hockey team were included after a sudden withdrawal from the final round, which permitted a nation to advance in the rankings.
Dr. Kongsak highlighted the crucial role of AI in this preparation phase, noting that the SAT, alongside the National Sports Development Fund, is leveraging advanced technology to analyze data and statistics. This involves creating a robust database to identify both the strengths and weaknesses of Thai athletes and their competitors. AI is instrumental in sports science, where it is used to assess athletes' physical fitness and readiness.
Furthermore, AI is utilized to gather competitor data, providing insights into their strengths and weaknesses. This intelligence is pivotal in preparing for both the 20th Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games in Japan. Dr. Kongsak indicated that this is merely the beginning of a more intensive integration of AI technology into the training and preparation of the Thai national team, with plans for more in-depth and comprehensive analysis in the future.