Khon Kaen University (KKU) officially commenced its participation in the 51st Thailand University Games, “Inthanil Games 2026,” with KKU athletes taking part in the grand opening ceremony on 9 January 2026. The ceremony, held at the Chalerm Phrakiat Sports Centre, Maejo University, Chiang Mai Province, was vibrant with competitive spirit and energy from higher education institutions across the nation.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Wanee Nonsiri, Chief Inspector-General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. Khon Kaen University’s delegation, including the athletes and official staff, attended the event led by Associate Professor Prapansak Chaveerach, DVM., Ph.D., Assistant to the President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization (Acting Director of the Sports Division) and Head of the KKU delegation.
Just two days into the competition, the Khon Kaen University athletic team made an excellent start, securing their first medal in Taekwondo in the Poomsae (Individual Female Category). Miss Onchhaporn Chaibang, a first-year student from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, successfully utilized her refined technique and skills to win the bronze medal, marking KKU’s first medal tally at the Inthanil Games.
Meanwhile, in the demonstration sport of Teqball, KKU athletes continued their outstanding performance. Mr. Jirawat Boonthi, a student from the Faculty of Education, won the bronze medal in the Male Singles category. Furthermore, Miss Nahathai Chaiming, also from the Faculty of Education, showcased strong form to clinch the silver medal in the Female Singles category. The pair then teamed up for the Mixed Doubles category, earning an additional bronze medal, resulting in impressive achievements early in the tournament.
In other competitive fields, the Khon Kaen University team is maintaining its winning streak. The Women’s Basketball team successfully defeated Udon Thani Rajabhat University with a score of 56–44. In Petanque, the Women’s Individual representative overcame Chiang Mai Rajabhat University 2–1, while the Men’s Petanque team triumphed over Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna 13–11. The Baseball team achieved a 2–0 victory against Thammasat University, and the Women’s Softball team narrowly defeated Burapha University 17–14.
Moreover, KKU athletes are continuing to compete fiercely in various other sports, including Fencing, Table Tennis, Teqball, Badminton, Hockey, Ju-Jitsu, Handball, and Amateur Muay Thai, demonstrating their capacity, commitment, and fighting spirit on all fronts.
Khon Kaen University invites all KKU staff, students, and the public to send moral support to the KKU delegation as they compete in the 51st Thailand University Games, “Inthanil Games 2026,” held from 9–19 January 2026 at Maejo University, Chiang Mai Province. Support the team and help bring honour to the institution. Further details can be found on the Facebook page: ทัพนักกีฬามหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น (Khon Kaen University Athletes Delegation)
