UPDATE: Rungroj Thainiyom is the Class 6 Men’s Singles silver medallist, ultimately losing to Italy’s Matteo Parenzan in the finals.
At the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Thailand’s Para table tennis team is making waves, reflecting the country’s remarkable growth in the sport. Once a rising presence, Thailand has now firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. The team’s success in Paris is a testament to the strategic efforts and investments by Thailand made over the past decade to develop and promote Para table tennis.
This remarkable rise to prominence can be traced back to a defining moment in 2012 when Rungroj Thainiyom captured gold in the Class 6 Men’s Singles at the London Paralympic Games. Thainiyom’s victory ignited a passion for Para Table Tennis in Thailand, inspiring countless individuals with disabilities to pursue the sport, and setting the stage for Thailand’s current success in Paris.
The strong collaboration between the Paralympic Committee, the Sports Association of the Disabled, and the Thailand Table Tennis Association has been instrumental in driving the sport’s development. This unified effort has attracted significant sponsorships, enabling Thai athletes to train extensively at camps and refine their skills. With the para movement gaining momentum, Thailand has made strategic investments in hosting high-profile events, organising 13 Para Table Tennis tournaments over the past 12 years, including the World Paralympic Qualification event. These events have been a breeding ground for talent, providing local players with invaluable experience and exposure to international competition.
‘With the para movement growing a lot, not only have we gotten more state sponsorship but also private companies are starting to pay more interest in the Para movement. With more sponsorship money it allows us to train our athletes more,’ Maitree Kongruang, Thailand Paris 2024 Paralympic Deputy Chef de Mission and former Para table tennis athlete
Thailand’s commitment to nurturing its athletes is further demonstrated by the establishment of a dedicated training camp in Nakhon Ratchasima. This state-of-the-art facility has become a hub for nearly 90% of the country’s Para Table Tennis athletes, fostering a strong sense of community and allowing emerging talents to train alongside seasoned champions. The camp’s impact is evident in the performances of Thai athletes, who have consistently excelled on the world stage.
The results of these efforts are clear in the medals tally. At the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Thailand’s prowess is on full display. The team has already clinched two silver medals in the Class 7 Mixed Doubles and Class 14 Men’s Doubles, along with two bronze medals in the Class 8 Men’s Doubles and Class 5 Women’s Doubles. These achievements are a testament to Thailand’s strategic vision and commitment to excellence, building on a history of success that includes 11 medals at the 2022 World Para Championships and 21 medals at the 2022 Asian Games, where Thailand ranked third overall, just behind China and Korea.
With a delegation of 12 athletes in Paris 2024, Thailand stands alongside Australia as the fifth-largest team in terms of size, showcasing a balanced representation of both genders and a wide range of classifications. Among these athletes are the celebrated Paris 2024 silver medallists Rungroj Thainiyom and Phisit Wangphonphathanasiri, who have become icons in Thailand. Their journey from local tournaments to the global stage exemplifies the transformative power of sport. They have even extended their influence internationally, traveling to Australia to inspire the next generation through the ITTF Smash Down Barriers program.
“It is very integral to have good role models in Para table tennis to promote the sport and inspire the younger generation such as Rungroj who is an icon in Thailand, I was with him in Thailand where he was treated like a rockstar. Rungroj has even travelled to Australia to visit schools and inspire young Australians.’ Christian Holtz, Managing Director of World Para Sports, International Paralympic Committee who was involved in running the Smash Down Barriers program previously
Looking ahead, Thailand is committed to expanding its reach across more classes in Para Table Tennis through see representatives of the sport visiting schools for people with disabilities, promoting Para table tennis and encouraging young talent to take up the sport. With plans to host the 2026 World Para Table Tennis Championships, Thailand is not just aiming to compete but to dominate, setting a new standard for Para Table Tennis excellence.
As the Paris 2024 Paralympics unfold, Thailand’s Para Table Tennis athletes are not only achieving medals but also rewriting the narrative of the sport. From the inspiration sparked by Thainiyom’s gold in 2012 to their current dominance in Paris, Thailand’s journey is a story of passion, perseverance, and the unyielding spirit of competition. With every rally and every point, Thailand continues to make its mark, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
