Key information
- Name: Sapsiree Taerattanachai
- Nickname: "Popor"
- Born: 18 April 1992
- Nationality: Thai
- Province: Udon Thani
- Graduated: Chulalongkorn University
- Height: 169 cm
- Weight: 55 kg
- Known for: World champion badminton athlete
- Instagram: @popor_sapsiree
- YouTube: @POPORSAPSIREE
Biography and Career
Sapsiree Taerattanachai was born on the 18th of April, 1992, in Udon Thani province in the northeast of Thailand. She graduated from the Faculty of Communication Arts at the prestigious Chulalongkorn University.
Sapsiree Taerattanachai, also known as "Popor," is a world champion badminton athlete from Thailand with an impressive 605 career wins. Currently ranked third in the world in mixed doubles, her talent and dedication to the sport have earned her a silver medal at the 2019 World Championships, and she is set to play in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.
Popor has won multiple awards and recognitions, including being the only badminton player to secure all the Grand Prix Gold titles in women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.
Popor's career began to propel her into the international spotlight in 2010 when she secured the gold medal in women’s singles at the Summer Youth Olympics, followed by a silver medal at the 2010 Asian Games, and represented Thailand at the 2012 Japan Super Series. She won the women's doubles at the 2012 India Open Grand Prix Gold and the women’s singles at the 2013 US Open Grand Prix Gold.
Popor’s Mixed Doubles Success
While Popor was successful in women’s doubles, her career skyrocketed in mixed doubles. In 2017, Popor partnered with Dechapol Puavaranukroh, "Bass," a gold medallist at the 2017 SEA Games in men's doubles. Together, Popor and Bass won the 2017 Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold. Popor became the first player to win Grand Prix Gold titles in all three disciplines, including the women’s doubles title at the 2012 India Open Grand Prix Gold, the women’s singles title at the 2013 US Open Grand Prix Gold, and the mixed doubles at the 2017 Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold.
Popor and Bass climbed to the world's number two ranking and made history by winning the 2020 BWF World Tour Finals. They recently won the mixed doubles title at the BWF India Open in New Delhi in January 2024, with a prize worth USD 850,000. Popor and Bass will be competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, with the matches taking place from July 27th until August 5th at the Adidas Arena.
Read more on Thailand’s Olympic badminton team
Popor’s Edgy and Cool Sense Of Style
Like many famous athletes, Popor started gaining recognition and brand deals, which propelled her fame. She is not only a well-regarded athlete, but her sense of style is loved by many. She currently has over three million followers on Instagram and has been featured on the cover of prestigious magazines like BAZAAR. She is also a brand ambassador for Haier and has advertised for many brands such as Toyota, Singha, and CITIZEN.
Sapsiree's talent and dedication have solidified her status as one of Thailand's most accomplished athletes. She is an example of how determination and perseverance can pay off. Popor encourages everyone to pursue their dreams. In an interview with STADIUMTH, she said, "I think that everyone can make their dreams come true. If we know what we like, we will be dedicated to doing it with determination and doing it to the fullest. Because dreams can be achieved if we just do it and enjoy it."
