Khon Kaen University (KKU) hosted an event to commend and express gratitude to the athletes and team officials who participated in the 51st Thailand University Games, known as the “Intanin Games.” The thank-you ceremony took place on Friday, 30 January 2026, from 17:30 to 20:00 hrs at the Southside area adjacent to the Multipurpose Gymnasium, Khon Kaen University. Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., KKU President, presided over the ceremony. He was joined by executives, faculty members, staff, athletes, officials, committee members, sub-committees, and distinguished guests, creating an atmosphere of warmth, solidarity, and institutional pride.
The event featured a video presentation reflecting on the highlights of the “Intanin Games,” celebrating the athletes’ determination, dedication, and success in bringing honour to the university, which hosted the event at Maejo University in Chiang Mai Province.
Associate Professor Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization, reported the objective of the ceremony and summarised the competition results. Dr. Jaroenwanit stated that the 51st Thailand University Games involved over 109 higher education institutions and approximately 25,000 athletes and officials, competing across 37 official sports and 3 demonstration sports. Khon Kaen University sent a total of 469 athletes and officials to compete in 27 sports and successfully secured a total of 26 medals: 5 gold, 6 silver, and 15 bronze. Additionally, the team secured 3 medals in Teqball (a demonstration sport), a strong indication of KKU students’ potential in modern athletics.
Following the report, Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., KKU President, delivered an address expressing appreciation and congratulations to the athletes and team officials. The President commended the athletes for their dedication, sacrifice, discipline, and the admirable spirit of sportsmanship they displayed, which brought great fame and pride to the university. He emphasised that sports serve as a crucial mechanism for holistic student development, encompassing physical fitness, mental resilience, unity, and learning to coexist constructively within society.
The President then presented the award plaque, officially distributing scholarship funds totalling over 703,000 Baht to the successful athletes. This financial support serves as an encouragement and an investment in their continued potential development. The event was characterised by a warm ambiance, filled with smiles, laughter, and a sense of shared pride among the athletes, coaches, executives, and personnel from all sectors. The evening concluded with group photographs, dinner, and musical performances by students, reflecting the strong spirit of unity within the Khon Kaen University community.
Khon Kaen University collectively offered their encouragement and announced their readiness to reconvene at the 52nd Thailand University Games, the “Tumpang Games,” scheduled for 2027 at Walailak University in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, demonstrating their ongoing commitment and pride as representatives of Khon Kaen University.
(News by Sittichai Yindeechart; Photos by Santi Ruecha)
