Puripol Boonson becomes Thailand’s first Asian Games MVP
The Thai sprinter took gold and set Games records in the 100 metres and 200 metres, alongside a mixed relay silver.
Thai sprinter Puripol “Biew” Boonson was named Most Valuable Player at the 2026 Asian Games after a campaign that brought him two golds and a silver. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) honoured him on 4 October at Nagoya’s media centre.
Puripol won the men’s 100 metres and 200 metres, setting an Asian Games record in each race. His silver came in the mixed 4×100-metre relay. No Thai athlete had previously won the MVP award.
He is also only the second recipient from track and field. Japan’s Koji Ito earned the honour at the Bangkok Asian Games in 1998. Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, aged 13, received the women’s MVP award. Winners were given a trophy and US$25,000 each.
Puripol said the recognition honoured his family and Thailand, and thanked athletics officials, coaches and supporters. He said he would keep training and developing as an athlete, with the aim of representing Thailand and Asian athletics on the world stage.
