KKU Athletes Conclude ‘Inthanin Games 2026’ with Outstanding Performance, Securing 26 Medals and Honouring the University Nationally

22 January 2026
15:55

Khon Kaen University (KKU) has successfully concluded its participation in the 51st Thailand University Games, known as the “Inthanin Games,” showcasing the exceptional spirit and athleticism of its student body. The KKU athletes competed fiercely, securing a total of 26 medals at Maejo University in Chiang Mai Province.

Throughout the competition, held from 9 to 19 January 2026, KKU athletes achieved commendable results, earning five gold medals in Board Games, A-Math, Petanque, Disc Golf, and Karate.

In addition, the team captured six silver medals in Board Games, Ju-Jitsu, Taekwondo, Bridge, and E-sports, along with 15 bronze medals across a wide range of disciplines, including Board Games, A-Math, Petanque, Ju-Jitsu, Taekwondo, Bridge, Kickboxing, Crossword, and E-sports. These achievements placed Khon Kaen University 15th overall in the national medal standings.

KKU athletes also demonstrated strong potential in Teqball, which was featured as a demonstration sport, winning three additional medals (one silver and two bronze). Although these medals are not included in the official rankings, they clearly reflect the athletes’ readiness and growing competence in emerging sports disciplines.

Associate Professor Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization, congratulated the KKU athletic team on their outstanding performance. She noted that the university had improved its medal count compared to the previous year, attributing the success to effective athlete selection, care, and training systems. She stated that the university aims to break into the top ten in the overall medal rankings at the upcoming 52nd Thailand University Games, which will be hosted by Walailak University in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

The 51st Thailand University Games, the “Inthanin Games,” saw participation from 109 higher education institutions nationwide, involving over 25,000 athletes and personnel. Competitors vied for a total of 517 gold medals across 37 official sports and three demonstration sports. Although not every event resulted in a medal, every competition serves as a crucial process for developing quality new generations, instilling sportsmanship, and preparing them for national and international stages in the future. This outcome aligns with Khon Kaen University’s role in holistic student development, focusing on physical and mental well-being, discipline, leadership, and teamwork through experiential learning and real-world competition.