Boonson, Yu take MVP honors at 2026 Asian Games

NAGOYA - Thai sprinter Puripol Boonson and Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi were named the men's and women's Most Valuable Players of the 2026 Asian Games, the Olympic Council of Asia announced Sunday.

Boonson won the men's 100m and 200m titles and took silver in the mixed 4x100m relay. The 20-year-old clocked an Asian Games record of 9.90 seconds in the 100m, becoming the only finalist to break the 10-second barrier.

"It is something that makes both my family and my country proud and happy," Boonson said. "This achievement has given me a tremendous boost in confidence. With the Los Angeles Olympics coming up, I will give my all to win a medal there."

Yu, 13, claimed three gold medals, setting an Asian record in the women's 200m individual medley and Asian Games records in the 200m butterfly and 400m individual medley.

"I will continue to train hard, push myself and work alongside young athletes across Asia to inspire more young people to love and take part in sports, especially swimming," she said.