SEA Games – The Biggest Tournament of My Career
In Sweden, winning the Swedish Championship (SM) or the World Championship is considered the pinnacle of a floorball player's career. And understandably so—those are the tournaments where you defeat the very best to claim the title, earning significant media attention for both your team and yourself.
Floorball has now been included in the World Games, which is an important first step toward becoming an Olympic sport. However, it is still not part of the official Olympic program.
In Asia, things are different.
Floorball is included in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, which can be compared to the Summer Olympics for Southeast Asia, as well as the Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games, often considered the Asian equivalent of the Winter Olympics. These events receive enormous media coverage, and the Thai Olympic Committee places greater emphasis on them than any other competition—including the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
To understand my latest journey, it's important to understand just how significant the SEA Games are for me, my teammates, and my country.
Preparing for the Heat
Thailand celebrates its New Year in mid-April with a nationwide water festival. People carry water guns and buckets, soaking friends, family, and even complete strangers—all in good fun. The tradition has a practical reason as well: April and May are the hottest months of the year, with temperatures often reaching 35–40°C (95–104°F) before the rainy season begins.
We arrived in Thailand on May 1st, right in the middle of the hottest period, for an eight-day training camp in Saraburi, about three hours north of Bangkok.
The first day was reserved for recovery after the long flight—time to settle in and overcome the jet lag.
On day two, we traveled back to Bangkok early in the morning for physical testing at the National Sports Center, including the infamous beep test. It was a long day, and we didn't return to camp until around 10:00 p.m.
Day three brought our first floorball practice.
For me, it's always the hardest session. My body has to adapt to the heat while also learning new drills. Both body and mind work overtime, and honestly, you're just waiting for the session to end.
Every training day consisted of two practices—one early in the morning at either 7:30 or 9:30 a.m., and another in the afternoon at 1:30 or 2:30 p.m., when the sun was at its strongest.
People often ask:
"But you have air conditioning, right?"
Let me explain.
Our training venue is basically a large open shed—no walls, just a metal roof. That means it's around 35°C (95°F) outside and closer to 40°C (104°F) inside the building.
It's brutally hot.
But you simply learn to embrace it.
Arrival in Cambodia
After three intense training days, we were given two days off before traveling to Cambodia, where the SEA Games were being held.
I spent my free time in Bangkok with my parents, who were also visiting Thailand, before rejoining the team.
We arrived in Cambodia on May 9th, with the tournament beginning on May 11th.
We stayed in the athletes' village, similar to the one used during the World Games, although slightly less comfortable. The men's team occupied two townhouses, while the women's team stayed next door.
The schedule was designed so the women always played before us against the same country. That allowed us to cheer them on before our games, while they stayed to support us afterward.
Over the years, both the men's and women's national teams have truly become my second family.
Tournament Begins
May 11 – Malaysia (10–2)
Malaysia has always been a difficult opponent for me personally.
My playing style simply doesn't match up well against theirs, and I had my worst game of the tournament. Old injuries also started reminding me they were still there.
Fortunately, the team performed exactly as expected, and we secured a comfortable victory.
May 12 – Philippines (4–6)
After my disappointing performance against Malaysia, I was left out of the starting lineup against the Philippines.
It was completely understandable.
If you don't perform, there are always players ready to take your place.
At that point, I had two choices:
-
Sit quietly at the end of the bench.
-
Stand with my teammates, encourage them, give feedback, and help however I could.
I chose the second option.
No matter whether you play or not, you should always give everything you have for the team.
Late in the game, with Thailand trailing 5–4, I was finally sent onto the floor.
Unfortunately, the Philippines scored almost immediately during my first shift.
On my third shift, I intercepted a diagonal pass and broke free before being tripped.
Penalty shot.
I was given the responsibility of taking it.
I felt I made a good attempt, but the Philippine goalkeeper made an outstanding save.
The goal never came.
I only played three shifts, yet somehow experienced more decisive moments than you sometimes do during an entire game.
It was also the first time in history that the Philippines defeated Thailand.
May 13 – Cambodia (18–1)
Back in the starting lineup.
Just before the opening faceoff, our head coach walked over and simply said:
"Welcome back."
Those two words meant more than he probably realized.
Cambodia was a relatively new floorball nation. Half of their squad had previously trained alongside our Thai players in Saraburi before I arrived.
What stood out immediately was their energy.
They ran nonstop.
They played with enthusiasm and creativity, and I genuinely believe they have the potential to become a strong team in Asia.
I hope we face them again in the future.
May 14 – Rest Day
Both the men's and women's teams visited the hotel where the Thai medical staff for all sports were based.
Massage, recovery, and a chance to briefly step outside the tournament bubble were exactly what everyone needed before our semifinal against Singapore.
May 15 – Singapore (4–3)
Whatever it takes.
Our dream couldn't end here.
It simply couldn't.
It was an incredibly even game where the team that wanted the final spot the most would come out on top.
Fortunately, that team was us.
The relief after the final whistle was indescribable.
There wasn't much time to celebrate, though.
Every second before the final mattered.
Stretching.
Ice baths.
Food.
Rest.
Mental preparation.
Everything had to be perfect.
Nothing could be left to chance.
May 16 – Final vs. Philippines
The first period ended scoreless.
Then everything exploded in the second.
About five minutes into the period, I was sent to the penalty box for what I still believe should have been my teammate's foul.
With just one second left on the power play, the Philippines scored.
We entered the third period trailing 1–0.
But we'd been here before.
We reminded each other not to panic.
In the previous SEA Games final against Singapore in 2019, we had been trailing 7–3 before completing an incredible comeback and winning in a penalty shootout.
Just 46 seconds into the third period, Simon Johansson equalized.
The Philippines answered two minutes later to make it 2–1.
Again, we were behind.
But this time it felt different.
We controlled possession.
We controlled the pace.
Our goalkeeper Bass Chaipring made several outstanding saves to keep us alive.
With nine minutes remaining, my roommate Santipong Sukkasem tied the game at 2–2, assisted once again by Simon Johansson.
Now the momentum was ours.
We pinned the Philippines back.
With six minutes left, Simon Johansson capitalized on a defensive mistake and scored to make it 3–2.
For the first time all game, we had the lead.
Simon had recorded three points in the third period alone.
We held on until the final whistle.
Thailand 3 – Philippines 2.
Back-to-back SEA Games Champions.
Without question, it was the greatest match—and the greatest achievement—of my career.
A Gold Medal to Remember
My parents were there supporting me throughout the entire tournament.
They had missed the previous SEA Games, making this experience even more special.
The competition was stronger than ever, and defending a title carries even more pressure than winning one for the first time.
Thankfully, we rose to the occasion.
The celebrations lasted four straight days—one night in Cambodia followed by three unforgettable nights in Bangkok.
During the tournament, I also reached another personal milestone by earning my 50th international cap. I now stand at 54 appearances for Thailand.
It's something I'm incredibly proud of, and I hope there are many more to come.
After seven years with the national team, I'm grateful for every opportunity I've had to contribute.
We landed back in Sweden early on the morning of May 21st, returning home with yet another gold medal.
Now it's time for a short break before preparations begin for the Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games, which will be held in Bangkok later this year.
I'll continue sharing my journey here on the blog and on my Instagram @chusakn.
Until next time 🙏
