The Thailand Karate Federation aims to win the country’s first ever Asian Games gold medal in the sport at this year’s tournament.
There will be four Thai karate exponents at the 17th Asian Games to be held in Incheon, South Korea from Sept 19-Oct 4.
The quartet, coached by Tareq Abdesselem of France, are Songwut Muntan (men’s 75kg), Supa Ngarmpuengpit (men’s 67kg), Theerawat Klangthong (men’s 84kg) and Tippawan Khamsri (women’s 50kg).
Thailand won only two bronze medals in the sport at the previous Asian Games in 2010 but TKF president Chutinant Bhirombhakdi said the current squad could do better at the Incheon tournament.
"Our athletes, particularly the men, have made fast progress since the 2010 Asian Games," he said.
"I believe we have potential to become successful and I target at least one gold medal at this year’s Asian Games. If we reach the goal, it will definitely help promote the sport in the country.”
With 71 days to go before the Games begin, the team are in the final stages of their preparations.
The quartet will take part in the fourth Thailand Open Karate-do Championships at Indoor Stadium, Hua Mark next week.
More than 130 athletes from 14 countries will take part in the tournament.
"Countries with strong exponents like Iran and Uzbekistan will compete in the Thailand Open," he said.
After the Thailand Open, the team will participate in a tournament in Malaysia and then take one-month training in Turkey before flying to South Korea.
The president added that staying in Turkey would give his athletes opportunities to train with good fighters from nearby countries.