Chula Athletes at the 51st University Games, “Inthanin Games,” Are A Source of Great Pride  

The 51st University Games, “Inthanin Games,” held from January 9 to 19, 2026, at Maejo University, Chiang Mai Province, marked another occasion on which Chulalongkorn University athletes brought honor and pride to the Chula community. The Chula team ranked third overall out of 109 participating institutions, earning a total of 190 medals: 66 gold, 69 silver, and 55 bronzes.  In addition, 15 Chula athletes were honored with Outstanding Athlete awards. 

Behind this success was the dedication and perseverance of all Chula student-athletes, who balanced their academic responsibilities with intensive training in preparation for the Games. To express appreciation, the university hosted a thank-you reception for the athletes, team managers, coaches, and committee members on January 28 at Sala Phra Kiao. Some of the Chula athletes who delivered outstanding performances at the “Inthanin Games” shared their journeys toward becoming national athletes and their keys to success in this competition. 

Ms. Wirakarn Tayapitak 

First-year student, Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy
Outstanding Athlete: 

• 1 gold medal, women’s singles (table tennis) 
• 1 gold medal, women’s doubles 
• 1 silver medal, team event 
• SEA Games champion, women’s team table tennis (Vietnam) 

“This University Games required intense focus and constant analysis of opponents’ weaknesses. In the final match, I was down 2–0 in games, but I managed to turn it around by staying calm and fighting to the end. I felt extremely happy and proud.” 

“Chulalongkorn University supports both athletics and academics. Before competitions, the university provides training facilities and helps with academic leave arrangements. There are also congratulatory events and awards for athletes, which are a great source of encouragement.” 

Ms. Ramita Trenanont 

Second-year student, Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy 
Outstanding Athlete: 

• 2 gold medals, karate (team kata and team kumite) 
• 1 silver medal, individual kata 

“I started practicing karate at the age of six.  At first, it was just for recreation and exercise, but I became seriously interested in lower secondary school.  I have competed continuously since then. Being a karate athlete allowed me to enter Chulalongkorn University through the athlete quota, which makes me very proud, as sports gave me the opportunity to study in my desired faculty.” 

“I usually compete in team events, so consistent training and communication within the team are very important. We emphasize mutual encouragement and making use of each member’s strengths. These factors played a key role in our success. My next goal is to win a medal at the Asian Games to be held this year.” 

Mr. Makorntawat Yimlamai 

First-year student, Faculty of Sports Science 
Outstanding Athlete: 

• 1 gold medal, sport climbing (men’s individual combined) 
• 3 silver medals, men’s individual speed, bouldering, and top rope 

“Sport climbing is still not very popular, but I enjoy its challenges and its extreme-sport nature. Previously, I won gold medals in speed climbing at the Thailand National Championships for three consecutive years (2022–2024), and I have represented Thailand in youth world competitions in the United States and South Korea.” 

“As a Chula student under the Outstanding Athlete Program, the University fully supports student-athletes in preparing for the University Games. My future goal is to maintain this level of performance every year and continue bringing recognition to the University.” 

Mr. Thanakrit Wongopas 

Fourth-year student, Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy
Outstanding Athlete: 

• 2 gold medals, AMATH (men’s team and men’s singles) 

“Last year, I placed second runner-up at the Thailand National Championships organized by the Thailand AMATH, IQ, and Crossword Game Association. For this University Games, the key to success was staying calm in all situations—remaining composed when facing stronger opponents and not underestimating weaker ones.” 

“Studying in the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy supports my performance in this sport, as both involve numbers, allowing me to calculate more quickly than most people. Being an athlete has also taught me better life organization—balancing study, training, and competition. In addition, the University and faculty provide financial support for athletes competing in external events.” 

Mr. Nattapat Nak-In 

Fourth-year student, Faculty of Political Science 
Outstanding Athlete: 

• 2 gold medals, men’s doubles and men’s singles (crossword) 
• 1 silver medal, men’s team event 

“I became interested in crossword competitions because I have loved English since childhood. My primary school teacher encouraged me to take up crossword games, and I have continued ever since. I have represented Thailand’s youth national team in international competitions five times. Currently, I am ranked sixth in Thailand in crossword competition.” 

“I enjoy this sport because it not only develops my English skills but also helps me build friendships, and it is always fun to play. The university supports student-athletes by providing training equipment, and gold medalists also receive scholarships to study at Chulalongkorn University.” 

Ms. Nattaporn Kasemsri Na Ayutthaya 

Fourth-year student, Faculty of Medicine 
Outstanding Athlete: 

• 3 gold medals, sport climbing
• Women’s individual lead (top rope) 
• Women’s individual top rope 
• Women’s individual combined 

“I started climbing because it is fun. In the final round of the women’s bouldering event, I decided to make a dynamic jump to the final hold—a move I might not have dared to try in practice. I was able to do it thanks to encouragement from friends and the competitive atmosphere.” 

“The team manager and coaches supported us throughout the competition. University administrators also came to cheer us on for both days of the top rope and bouldering events, which gave me great motivation to win the gold medals.” 

Ms. Mia Millar 

Second-year student, Faculty of Law 
Outstanding Athlete: 
3 gold medals, swimming: 

• Women’s 100 m backstroke 
• Women’s 200 m backstroke 
• 4×100 m freestyle relay (2 men, 2 women) 

2 silver medals: 

• Women’s 400 m freestyle 
• Women’s 50 m freestyle 

“The University Games help build relationships between seniors and juniors. During competitions, the cheers from the Chula team were louder than any other team’s, which helped boost my confidence tremendously.” 

“The key to success at the ‘Inthanin Games’ is discipline, clear time management between academics and sports, and following the coach’s guidance. My future goals are to defend my title in the women’s 200 m backstroke, improve on the national record I currently hold, break the University Games record, and hopefully represent Thailand at the next Olympic Games.” 

Mr. Open Kananrong   

First-year graduate student, Faculty of Sports Science 
Outstanding Athlete: 

• 1 gold medal, men’s team handball 

“The greatest benefits of sports are health and the sense of community. The handball club has shaped an environment where we are happy together. My goal is to win two gold medals—both men’s and women’s team events—at the next competition.” 

“I would like to thank the university and the organizers for taking excellent care of the athletes throughout the competition, including providing supplies and necessities, as well as the university administrators who visited and encouraged us at all times.” 

Mr. Nattaphat Therasin 

First-year student, Faculty of Law 
Outstanding Athlete: 

• 1 silver medal, men’s singles squash 

“In squash competitions, the most important things are concentration and full focus on the match, without being distracted by external factors, and maintaining the same standard of play as in training.” 

“My goal is to compete in the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, and I am determined to continue playing squash in the years to come.” 

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