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The men’s football gold is still the most prized medal for Thailand, with the War Elephants aiming to break an eight-year championship slump at the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in December.

The Thai squad has claimed the men’s football gold medal a remarkable 16 times. They also possess the record for securing it eight years in a row between 1993 and 2007.

However, the most recent time Thailand secured the men’s football gold was during the 29th SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur in 2017. The War Elephants suffered a 5-2 defeat against Indonesia in the final of the 32nd edition held in Cambodia two years prior.

Similar to how the public has high expectations for the men’s football title, the nation’s athletes are also anticipated to lead in the medal count. However, Dr. Gongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, has acknowledged that it will be challenging for the Thai team to dominate the medal tally across all sports.

“We anticipate our athletes will excel in Olympic disciplines including taekwondo, weightlifting, and badminton, whereas in other events like athletics and swimming, they are expected to achieve improved outcomes compared to the last edition, even if they don’t secure gold in certain competitions,” stated Dr. Gongsak.

“High expectations are anticipated in popular sports like football and volleyball. Football, in particular, is undoubtedly the sport with the greatest gold medal hopes that Thai fans wish our team to secure,” he added.

The men’s soccer team is in Group A with Cambodia and Timor-Leste and will compete in the group stage at Songkhla’s Tinsulanonda Stadium.

“Each match in the SEA Games holds significant importance. Our goal is to secure the gold medal since we are the host country. If our preparation proceeds as planned, it presents a great chance for us to reach the final and claim the title,” said head coach Thawatchai Dumrong-ongtrakul.

The 33rd Southeast Asian Games, including 50 medal events, is scheduled to be held in three host cities — Bangkok, Chon Buri, and Songkhla — from December 9 to 20.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).