Thai sprinter Puripol Boonson set an Asian Games record with a time of 19.88 seconds in the men’s 200m at the Asian Games in Nagoya, matching the Asian record set by China’s Xie Zhenye in 2019.
Boonson’s Record-Breaking Performance
Thai sprinter Puripol Boonson delivered a historic performance at the Asian Games in Nagoya, winning the men’s 200m with a time of 19.88 seconds. This matched the Asian record set by China’s Xie Zhenye in 2019, cementing Boonson’s place as one of the region’s fastest sprinters. Boonson had already claimed gold in the 100m with a Games record of 9.90 seconds, showcasing his dominance across both sprints. His 200m victory came after a strong preliminary round of 20.10 seconds, also a Games record, and secured him a podium finish ahead of China’s Huang Youwen (20.45) and Japan’s Soshi Mizukubo (20.56).
Japanese Expert Praises Boonson’s Technique
Shinji Takahira, a former Japanese sprinter and Olympic medalist, highlighted Boonson’s potential to surpass the Asian record.
Other Standout Performances at the Asian Games
The Asian Games athletics programme at Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium in Nagoya saw multiple record-breaking performances. China’s Yan Ziyi dominated the women’s javelin with a Games record of 70.46m, nearly eight meters ahead of Japan’s Olympic champion Haruka Kitaguchi, who took silver with 62.70m. World and Olympic champion Winfred Yavi added the women’s 3000m steeplechase title to her 10,000m crown, clocking a Games record of 9:04.36 to finish ahead of Kazakhstan’s Norah Jeruto (9:06.82) and India’s Parul Chaudhary (9:08.67).
Bahrain’s success continued with Nelly Korir in the women’s 1500m and Salwa Eid Naser in the 400m. Both won in Games record times, Korir clocking 4:04.50 and Naser 49.20. Thailand made history in the men’s 400m as Joshua Atkinson claimed the country’s first Asian Games title in the event, clocking 44.90. Abdulrahman Suleiman of the United Arab Emirates pushed him close but had to settle for silver in 44.99.
In the women’s 200m, Singapore’s Shanti Pereira successfully defended the title she won in Hangzhou. China’s 100m champion Chen Yujie was quickest away, while Pereira and India’s Harita Bhadra made slower starts. Pereira surged to the front in the second half of the race and held off Chen to win in 22.78. Chen took silver in 22.93, while Bhadra earned bronze in 23.20.
Several other Games records fell in the field events. Iran’s Mohammadreza Tayebisefat won the men’s shot put with a Games record of 20.81m, denying India’s Tajinderpal Singh Toor (20.64m) a third successive title. China’s Su Wen set a Games record of 17.42m to win the men’s triple jump. Japan’s Mako Fukube won the women’s 100m hurdles in 12.74, while China’s Chen Yuanjiang took the men’s 110m hurdles title in 13.15. Japan’s Rachid Muratake finished second in 13.29.
The men’s high jump produced an upset following the late withdrawal of Asian record-holder Mutaz Essa Barshim. Korea’s Woo Sanghyeok, a two-time Asian Games silver medallist, had been expected to challenge strongly for gold but finished third with 2.22m.
Japanese decathlete Yuma Maruyama upgraded the bronze medal he won in Hangzhou to gold in Nagoya, scoring 8123. Japan’s Hayato Katsuki, boosted by his victory at the World Race Walking Team Championships in Brasilia earlier this year, won the men’s marathon race walk in 3:03:36.
Kazakhstan’s Yasmina Toxanbayeva won the women’s race, although the official results remained subject to a protest concerning shoe specifications. There was also drama in the men’s marathon, where Japan’s Ichitaka Yamashita and India’s Sawan Barwal were locked together until the closing stages. Barwal, competing in only his second marathon after breaking a 48-year-old national record earlier this year, remained with Yamashita until 40km before the Japanese runner edged clear. Yamashita won in 2:10:49, while Barwal improved to 2:11:37 for silver, earning India its first Asian Games medal in the event for 44 years.
What’s Next for Boonson?
Boonson’s success at the Asian Games has positioned him as a rising star in Asian athletics. While the Asian record remains unbroken, his 19.88 time has sparked discussions about his potential to challenge it in future competitions.
As the athletics world watches, Boonson’s journey from Asian Games hero to potential global icon will be closely followed. His ability to balance speed, strategy, and endurance could define his legacy in the sport.
Worldathletics and Siamsport provided the verified details for this report.