It is with deep sorrow that we record the passing of Akkadej Choochuenklin — one of the world’s finest BC3 athletes.
The boccia community mourns a competitor whose talent and recent successes marked him out as a star of the sport.
Choochuenklin, who represented Thailand with distinction on the international circuit, crafted a reputation among the world’s elite in the BC3 classification.
Together with Thai teammate Ladamanee Kla-Han, Choochuenklin reached the bronze medal match in the mixed pairs BC3 competition at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, before narrowly losing to Argentina.
He also reached the quarter-final of the men’s individual BC3 tournament at the same Games.
Earlier this year, he brought home gold at the 2025 Asia-Oceania Regional Championships in Pattaya.
He captured the title in the BC3 division – beating South Korea’s Junyup Kim in the final – a crowning achievement many saw as the beginning of a sustained international career and which took him to a current ranking of No.9 in the world.
Fellow competitor Goncalves Abilio posted in tribute on Facebook: “Remembering the last game we played together…
“In memory of my friend Akkadej Choochuenklin 🙏⭐️
“Paris Paralympics 2024”
Though he did not reach the podium in Paris, his competitive spirit, skill and composure under pressure earned him respect and the quiet anticipation of greater things to come.
World Boccia extends our heartfelt sympathy to Akkadej’s family, his teammates, and all who knew him.
