13^th ASEAN PARA GAMES Thailand 2025

KORAT BIDS FAREWELL, ‘SELAMAT DATANG” TO KUALA LUMPUR

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, – KORAT bids farewell to the 13th ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025 in a glittering ceremony officially closed by Sports Minister Attakorn Sirilatthayakorn at the 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium here. 

Thailand were officially crowned overall champions of the Korat Games as the curtain came down on the regional multi-sport event in a vibrant closing ceremony filled with music, colour and celebration at the stadium tonight. 

The hosts topped the final medal table with 175 gold, 155 silver and 158 bronze medals, reclaiming the overall title for the first time since 2015 and securing their seventh ASEAN Para Games crown. Thailand’s triumph ended Indonesia’s three-edition reign as champions and halted their bid for a fourth consecutive overall title.

Indonesia finished second with 135 gold, 144 silver and 114 bronze medals, while Malaysia placed third with 64 gold medals, an improved showing that underlined their growing stature ahead of hosting the next Games.

As fireworks lit up the Korat skyline, athletes and officials reflected on a Games that delivered high-quality competition and rising regional depth. 

In total, 1,473 medals were awarded across 19 sports, with para athletics and swimming 

once again forming the backbone of medal success for leading nations. 

The closing ceremony marked not only the end of competition but also the symbolic handover to Malaysia, which will host the 14th ASEAN Para Games in October 2027, with 18 sports expected to be contested. 

As the ASEAN Para Games flag was lowered in Nakhon Ratchasima and raised for the next host nation, the focus shifted from celebration to preparation — and the next chapter in the region’s para sports journey.

It was also the first time since 2015 that Thailand is back as the overall champion. Indonesia had won in the previous three editions in 2017, 2022, 2023. 

Thailand Minister of Tourism and Sports Attakorn Sirilatthayakorn proclaimed the Games, followed by the customary handing over of Games flag to the next host. 

Malaysian Minister of Sports Malaysia Dr Mohammad Taufiq Johari received the flag from the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) President Maj Gen Osoth Bhavilai, signalling the formal acceptance as host of the 14th ASEAN Para Games. 

Minister Attakorn, in his speech, thanked all 11 contingents for their participation in the Korat Games, proof of the strong bond and solidarity amongst ASEAN member nations. 

Maj Gen Osoth meanwhile, praised Thailand and Nakhon Ratchasima for its overall performance which saw the contingent winning the overall title for the seventh time in the history of the Games. “Congratulations Thailand! For the past week, we have witnessed an exciting show of courage and great determination. To athletes, you are all winners!” he  said. 

Kuala Lumpur now gears up to host the next edition of the Games, where the Games are scheduled in October 2027.

Good Bye Korat, Hello Kuala Lumpur!

Full results: https://wrs.gmsmate.com/apg2025/

Live coverage: APSF Official YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@APSFTVChannel/streams

13^th ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025

Thailand Reclaims ASEAN Para Games Crown 

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Jan 25 — Thailand ended a decade-long wait and reclaimed the ASEAN Para Games overall crown in emphatic fashion on home soil, bringing the 2025 ASEAN Para Games to a thrilling close and halting Indonesia’s march towards a fourth consecutive title.

Roared on by partisan crowds in Korat, the hosts delivered a powerful final-day surge, clinching 33 gold medals to seal the overall title with 175 gold, 155 silver and 158 bronze medals, marking Thailand’s seventh ASEAN Para Games crown and their first since the 2015 edition in Singapore.

In doing so, Thailand wrested the title from Indonesia, who had dominated the last three editions since Kuala Lumpur 2017 and most recently Solo 2022, firmly reasserting themselves as a regional para-sport powerhouse.

Thailand’s gold-medal haul was built on sustained excellence across core disciplines, with major contributions coming from para athletics, para swimming, para fencing, para table tennis and shooting para sport. 

The hosts saved one of their most dramatic moments for last, as the cerebral palsy (CP) football team edged Myanmar 1–0 in a tense final to deliver Thailand’s final gold medal of the Games.

Indonesia, while falling short of their fourth straight overall title, still delivered a commanding performance to finish second overall with 135 gold, 144 silver and 114 bronze medals, comfortably surpassing their pre-Games target of 82 golds.

Indonesia’s medal strength once again came from athletics, swimming and powerlifting, despite the absence of several staple sports and challenging classification mergers. 

Malaysia enjoyed one of their strongest Games performances, finishing third overall with 64 gold, 64 silver and 73 bronze medals, surpassing their medal target and underlining their upward trajectory ahead of hosting the next Games. The Malaysian contingent’s improved standing bodes well for Kuala Lumpur 2027, where 18 sports are expected to be contested.

The Philippines placed fourth with 45 gold medals, while Vietnam, third overall in the previous edition, slipped to fifth with 38 gold medals. Myanmar, Singapore, Timor-Leste, Laos and Brunei also celebrated podium breakthroughs, highlighting the widening competitive spread across the region.

In total, 1,473 medals were awarded across 10 participating nations, reflecting the expanded scale and increasing competitiveness of para sport in Southeast Asia. Para athletics and para swimming once again accounted for the largest share of gold medals, continuing a trend seen across recent editions of the Games.

While Thailand reasserted themselves as a regional powerhouse, several nations, including Timor-Leste and Laos ,recorded improved medal returns compared to previous Games.

The ASEAN Para Games flame now passes to Malaysia, with the next edition scheduled for October 2027, promising another landmark chapter for para sport in the region.

Ends

Final medal standings for the 13^th ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025

1st:      Thailand:        175 gold; 155 silver; 158 bronze (total 489)

2nd:    Indonesia:      135 – 144 –  114 (total 393)

3rd:     Malaysia:       64 – 64 – 73 (total 201)

4th:     Philippines:    45 – 37 –  52 (total 134)

5th:     Vietnam:        38  –  48 – 58 (total 144)

6th:     Myanmar:      20 – 18 –  20 (total 58)

7th:     Singapore:     13 – 7 – 9 (total 29)

8th:     Timor-Leste:  3 –  1 – 1 bronze (total 5)

9th:     Laos:               2  – 5 –  9  (total 16)

10th:   Brunei:           1  – 3 –  2 (total 6)

*Note – Cambodia did not participate

Full results: https://wrs.gmsmate.com/apg2025/

Live coverage: APSF Official YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@APSFTVChannel/streams

Thai Ahead with 395 Medals, Opens More Than 40-Gold Lead Over Indonesia

As the Games headed into the final day of action on Sunday, the Thai contingent continued to deliver a strong showing, collecting an impressive 114 medals in a single day as they continued to dominate across multiple sports.

Thai athletes continued their commanding performance at the 13^th ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025, surging to a total of 395 medals, including 143 gold, to maintain a lead of more than 40 gold medals over second-placed Indonesia after four days of competition.

Much of Thailand’s success on the day came from the swimming events led by Ekkaphan Songwichean, who captured gold in the 200m individual medley. The victory brought his personal tally to five gold medals at this edition of the ASEAN Para Games.

In the evening session, Thailand’s Para athletics team also made a major impact, claiming a series of gold medals in track events. Notable victories included Suneephan Thanomwong in the women’s 400m T11, Jakarin Damunee in the men’s 400m T13, and Amornthep Phonphanna in the men’s 200m T38, among others.

After four days of competition, Thailand has amassed 143 gold, 135 silver and 117 bronze medals, bringing their overall total to 395 medals.

Indonesia, the defending overall champion, remains in second place with 101 gold, 103 silver and 88 bronze medals, totalling 292 medals.

Malaysia sits third in the standings with 49 gold, 43 silver and 60 bronze medals, for an overall total of 152 medals.

Timor Leste added another gold to their chart, clinching two altogether and tied with Laos.

Full results: https://wrs.gmsmate.com/apg2025/

Live coverage: APSF Official YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@APSFTVChannel/streams

Thailand Stay in Command as Games Reach Halfway Mark; Laos Break Through

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Jan 23 — The top seven positions on the medal table remained unchanged as the 13^th ASEAN Para Games reached the halfway mark on Friday as Laos made a breakthrough by clinching two gold medals in fencing and shooting para sports to enter the medal standings.

Timor-Leste also celebrated their first gold medal of the Games after Freitas Teofilo won the men’s 400m T36–T38 title in 55.70 seconds, edging Thailand’s Phonpanna Amornthep in a tightly contested final.

Hosts Thailand, seeking their first overall title since Singapore 2015, continued to assert their dominance after capturing 40 of the 119 gold medals decided across 11 sports on Day 3 of competition.

Thailand remained firmly in first place with 109 gold, 102 silver and 82 bronze medals, powered by standout performances in para athletics (40 gold medals) and para swimming (31 gold medals) so far. The hosts also celebrated double success in 3×3 basketball, with both the men’s and women’s teams claiming gold.

Indonesia enjoyed a strong showing in para athletics, collecting 27 gold medals on the day, alongside two more golds in powerlifting. Indonesia stayed second overall with 41 gold, 73 silver and 70 bronze medals, trailing Thailand by a 41-gold margin.

Malaysia continued their strength in throwing events, led by national shot put star Ziyad Zolkefli who hurled 16.81 metres to secure gold. Athletics has now contributed 16 gold medals to the Malaysian tally. Malaysia picked up 16 gold medals on Friday and remained third overall with 33 gold, 34 silver and 32 bronze medals, staying seven golds ahead of the Philippines.

The Philippines maintained fourth place after collecting 11 gold medals on the day to lift their total to 26 golds. Star swimmer Mae Otom Angel, 22, continued her impressive form, claiming multiple victories and taking her personal tally to four gold medals at the Games.

Vietnam added 10 gold medals on Friday, while Myanmar raised their total gold count to 11 after winning five golds, highlighted by a dramatic victory in men’s sitting volleyball.  Myanmar edged Thailand 3–2 sets (20–25, 25–15, 25–13, 18–25, 15–9), marking their second win over the hosts after a previous 3–0 triumph.

Singapore also enjoyed a productive day in boccia, with Jovin Wei Xiang Tan, Aloysius Kai Hong Gan and Nurulasyiwah Mohammad Taha each claiming gold. The trio’s success lifted Singapore’s gold tally to 10, placing them seventh overall at the midway point of the Games.

Laos entered the medal chart by overtaking Brunei and Timor-Leste, thanks to two gold medals on Friday. Salermxay Xayyasith delivered a notable upset by defeating Thailand’s Siputhon Witsawakon 15–12 in the men’s individual sabre fencing final. Laos’ other gold came through 43-year-old shooter Saysavanh Mahaxay, who won the mixed R9 50m rifle prone SH2 event with a score of 238.3.

Competition resumes on Saturday (24 January), with another 104 gold medals up for grabs across 11 sports, including para athletics (32 golds), para swimming (29), para table tennis (13), archery (4), track cycling (9), fencing (3), judo (3), powerlifting (5), shooting para sports (3), tenpin bowling (3) and wheelchair tennis (1).

The 13^th  ASEAN Para Games run until Monday, 26 January, featuring medal events across 19 sports, including athletics, swimming, badminton, cycling, football (visual impairment and cerebral palsy), boccia, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, shooting, powerlifting, archery, fencing, judo, goalball, wheelchair tennis, table tennis, chess and bowling.

Full results: https://wrs.gmsmate.com/apg2025/

Live coverage: APSF Official YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@APSFTVChannel/streams

Thailand extends lead as Malaysia moves into third after Day 2

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, 22 January — Thailand strengthened its grip on the overall medal standings at the 13^th ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025 on Thursday, while Indonesia remained firmly in contention and Malaysia climbed into third place after an eventful second day of competition.

Thailand collected 40 gold medals across nine sports on Day 2 in para athletics, para cycling (road), fencing, judo, powerlifting, swimming, shooting para sport, tenpin bowling and wheelchair basketball. The surge lifted the hosts’ gold medal tally from 29 to 69, pushing their overall count past 180 medals with 69 gold, 59 silver and 52 bronze.

Indonesia, chasing a fourth consecutive overall ASEAN Para Games title, continued to apply pressure on the leaders. The Indonesians added 25 gold medals on Thursday, mainly from para athletics, para cycling (road) and powerlifting, to remain second overall with 41 gold, 38 silver and 28 bronze medals — 107 medals in total after two days.

Former overall champions Malaysia enjoyed a strong Day 2, winning 13 gold medals to move into third place overallwith 17 gold, 21 silver and 31 bronze medals, overtaking the Philippines. Malaysia’s rise was fuelled by solid performances in para athletics, para cycling (road) and tenpin bowling.

The Philippines remained close behind after collecting seven gold medals, led by a strong showing in para athletics, while Vietnam slipped one position despite winning six gold medals, including four from track events.

Further down the standings, Myanmar and Singapore retained sixth and seventh spots respectively. Myanmar secured gold medals in para athletics and swimming while Singapore added a gold through the men’s shot put F40.

Brunei broke through into the medal table with a gold medal in the men’s singles TPB2 event in tenpin bowling, contested in Bangkok.

Para cycling (road) concluded its programme on Thursday, with Thailand and Indonesia sharing the majority of the gold medals. Thailand claimed eight golds, Indonesia five, while Malaysia secured two.

Competition resumes on Friday (Jan 23) with 109 gold medals to be contested across 11 sports, including para athletics (38 gold medals), para swimming (25), para table tennis (12), boccia (8), chess (6), archery (4), fencing (4), powerlifting (4), shooting para sport (3), tenpin bowling (3) and judo (2).

The 13th ASEAN Para Games runs until Monday, Jan 26, featuring medal competition across 19 sports including athletics, swimming, badminton, cycling, football (visual impairment and cerebral palsy), boccia, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, shooting, powerlifting, archery, fencing, judo, goalball, wheelchair tennis, table tennis, chess and bowling.

Full Results: https://wrs.gmsmate.com/apg2025/

Live coverage is available on the APSF Official YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@APSFTVChannel/streams

THAILAND ROARS INTO LEAD AS COMPETITION PROPER GETS UNDERWAY

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, 21 January — The 13th ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025 burst into life today as competition proper commenced with host nation Thailand surging to the top of the Day 1 medal standings following a dominant opening day across multiple sports.

Thailand set the early tone for what promises to be a thrilling week of para action, claiming the largest share of medals on offer. Of the 66 gold medals contested on the first full day of competition, the hosts captured an impressive 28 gold medals, generating strong momentum in their bid to reclaim the ASEAN Para Games crown on home soil.

The bulk of Thailand’s golden haul came from para swimming, which delivered nine gold medals, while para athletics added a further seven gold medals, underlining the nation’s depth and strength in two of the Games’ most competitive disciplines.

Defending powerhouse Indonesia, overall champions of the past three editions — Kuala Lumpur 2017, Solo 2022 and Phnom Penh 2023 — remained firmly in contention, finishing the day in second place with 15 gold medals, keeping Thailand within sight as the rivalry renewed in Korat.

Vietnam and the Philippines also made strong opening-day statements, securing eight and six gold medals respectively. 

Malaysia and Myanmar collected four gold medals each, while Singapore concluded Day 1 with two gold medals to its name.

Para swimming emerged as one of the standout arenas on Day 1, with Thailand’s swimmers dominating the pool and thrilling local supporters with a series of commanding performances. 

A notable highlight was the return of wheelchair fencing to the ASEAN Para Games programme after a 17-year hiatus (last featured in 4^th ASEAN Para Games 2008 in Korat).Thailand immediately stamped its authority in the sport, sweeping both gold medals on offer today, including a memorable victory by Thai fencing star, Saysunee Jana who claimed gold in the Women’s Individual Sabre B.

Competition resumes on the second day, with athletes set to contest 61 gold medals across seven sports with Para athletics offering 38 gold medals, Para cycling road  (8), fencing (4), powerlifting (3), para shooting (2),  Judo (2) and Bowling (2).  

The 13^th  ASEAN Para Games runs until Monday, 26 January, featuring medal competition across 19 sports: athletics, swimming, badminton, cycling, five-a-side football (visual impairment), seven-a-side football (cerebral palsy), boccia, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, shooting, powerlifting, archery, fencing, judo, goalball, wheelchair tennis, table tennis, chess and bowling.

Follow the 13th ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025 live on the APSF Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APSFTVChannel/streams

ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025 Opens in Spectacular Style in Korat

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand — The 13^th  ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025 opens in a colourful and spectacular style that blends powerful visual storytelling with vibrant cultural expression and contemporary performance at His Majesty’s The King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium on Tuesday. 

Officiated by royal representative General His Royal Highness Prince Chalermsuk Yukol, the ceremony presented a two-hour large-scale production of light, sound and performance, highlighting Thai and Isan arts and culture to regional and international audiences.

Also present were Thailand Minister of Tourism and Sports Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) President Major General Osoth Bhavilai and key officials and Board Members from APSF and the Thailand ASEAN Para Games Organising Committee (THASOC).

A capacity crowd filled the stadium as an immersive, high-energy production unfolded, showcasing a harmony, diversity, cultures and modern rhythm through the powerful performance of “Rock Krathop Mai”, the “Heartbeat Isanpop” and the “Rhythm of the Heart” showcase by Thai singing sensation Gam Wichayanee. 

A defining ceremonial moment followed with the raising of the ASEAN Para Games flag, followed by the lighting of the Games cauldron by Thailand celebrated wheelchair fencing star Saysunee Jana – a multiple Paralympic Games gold medallist, marking the official ignition of the sporting flame and the commencement of regional competition.

Addressing the crowd, APSF President Maj Gen Osoth Bhavilai described the occasion as a moment of pride for the entire ASEAN Para sports community. “Tonight, with great pride, I welcome you to the 13th ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025,” he said. 

“The ASEAN Para Games returns to Korat, 18 years after it last hosted our Games. Once again, Korat becomes the heart of ASEAN para sport — a place where dreams rise, barriers fall, and inspiration is born.”

Praising the athletes as the centrepiece of the Games, Maj Gen Bhavilai added: “To our athletes — you are our true stars. Your journeys are stories of resilience and determination. You redefine what is possible.”

Athletes from participating ASEAN nations – Brunei Darussalam (comprising 22 athletes and officials), Indonesia (530), Laos (135) Myanmar (146), Malaysia (454), Philippines (321), Singapore (200), Timor Leste (38), Vietnam (201) and Thailand with biggest contingent of 921 athletes and officials – took part in the customary Parade of Contingents and Athletes, proudly carrying their respective nations’ flags. 

A dazzling fireworks display which  illuminated the night sky above Nakhon Ratchasima, capping off the night with a dramatic finale that celebrated courage, diversity and the unifying power of sport.

Highlighting the scale and significance of the event, Maj Gen Bhavilai noted that the 13th ASEAN Para Games represents a historic milestone. “This is the largest ASEAN Para Games to date, featuring 19 sports, nearly 500 events, and more than 2,500 athletes and officials.

“Over the next six days, let us compete not only for victory, but also for friendship, inclusion, equality and respect,” he said, while expressing gratitude to the Thai Government and organising committee THASOC for making the Games possible. “Let us celebrate resilience and unity, in the true spirit of ASEAN Moving Together,”he said. 

Competition proper begins on Wednesday, with athletes contesting medals across 19 sports, namely, athletics, swimming, badminton, cycling, five-a-side football (visual impairment), seven-a-side football (cerebral palsy), boccia, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, shooting, powerlifting, archery, fencing, judo, goalball, wheelchair tennis, table tennis, chess, and bowling. The Games ends on Monday, 26 January 2026 

Follow the 13^th ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025 Live on APSF YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@APSFTVChannel/streams

APSF Confirms Readiness Ahead of 13th ASEAN Para Games Opening Tomorrow

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, 19 Jan  –  Southeast Asia’s para athletes will take centre stage from Tuesday as the 13^th  ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025 starts tomorrow with the Games’ governing body ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) confirming full readiness for the region’s premier multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities. 

The Games officially gets underway tomorrow with the Opening Ceremony at the His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadiumin Nakhon Ratchasima.

The Federation  today expressed confidence in the overall readiness of the Games following months of close coordination with the local organising committee Thailand Sports Organising Committee (THASOC).

APSF President Major General Osoth Bhavilaisaid the Games were set to begin as planned, citing encouraging readiness across key operational areas. “After months of preparation and close collaboration, I am pleased to say that, from APSF’s perspective, the Games are ready to begin,” he said. “We look forward to the Opening Ceremony tomorrow and the start of what promises to be a memorable ASEAN Para Games.”

He highlighted Thailand’s proven capability as a host nation, noting strong preparedness in various areas of organisation. Minor operational challenges, he added, were normal in an event of this scale and well within manageable limits.

APSF Secretary GeneralMajor General Dr Wandee Tosuwan echoed the President’s assessment, following comprehensive inspections of competition venues and operational centres in recent days. She said months of structured planning and sustained coordination had laid firm foundations for a smooth and safe Games.

“The cooperation between APSF and THASOC has been extensive and consistent, covering all functional areas from sports and technical delivery, classification and anti-doping, to IT systems, media and broadcasting, accreditation, transport and venue readiness,” she said.

Major General Dr Wandee added that three series of Coordination Committee Meetings held last year were instrumental in aligning plans, identifying risks early and resolving issues collectively.

In terms of participation, the Games welcomed 1,606 athletes and 945 officials, bringing the total number of accredited participants to 2,551, based on the Delegation Registration Meeting as of 14 January. The figures represent a significant increase from the previous edition and reflect the continued growth of para sport across the ASEAN region.

The programme will also feature two demonstration sports—Wheelchair Rugby and Lawn Bowls—underscoring APSF’s commitment to expanding opportunities and pathways for para athletes. Thailand will field the largest contingent with 683 athletes, followed byIndonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

“Ultimately, the ASEAN Para Games is about the athletes—they are the true stars,” said Major General Dr Wandee. “We are confident that the environment here in Nakhon Ratchasima will allow them to compete fairly, safely and at their very best, while showcasing the true spirit of para sport.”

Both APSF leaders commended THASOC and all Thai stakeholders for their professionalism, dedication and tireless efforts in preparing for the Games, while also acknowledging the vital role played by the media in promoting para sport and building public engagement.

As the region’s attention turns to Nakhon Ratchasima, APSF looks forward to an inspiring Opening Ceremony tomorrow and a successful staging of the 13th ASEAN Para Games, celebrating sporting excellence, resilience and unity across Southeast Asia.

FLAGS OF 10 PARTICIPATING NATIONS HOISTED AHEAD OF 13th ASEAN PARA GAMES OPENING CEREMONY

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand — The traditional Team Welcoming Ceremony for the 13th ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025 was held today at the historic Thao Suranari Monument (Ya Mo), as the flags of the participating nations were ceremonially raised in a colourful and symbolic display of unity, friendship and sporting spirit.

The brief yet meaningful ceremony, steeped in Games tradition, marked the official welcome of the contingents just two days ahead of the Opening Ceremony at the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium on (Tuesday) January 20. 

The national flags of 10 ASEAN nations — Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Timor-Leste, Vietnam and host Thailand — were proudly hoisted at the iconic monument, a revered landmark among local residents for its historical and cultural significance.

Athletes and officials from all participating countries were present to mark their readiness to compete at the biennial regional sporting spectacle, reaffirming the enduring values of solidarity, inclusion and regional friendship through sport.

Cambodia will not be participating in this edition of the Games, having formally withdrawn due to unforeseen circumstances. The Games will therefore feature 10 competing nations.

Returning to Nakhon Ratchasima after an 18-year hiatus, the ASEAN Para Games were last staged in Korat in 2008. The 2025 edition continues the proud tradition of the Games, which are held every two years following the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

Host nation Thailand will be aiming to reclaim the overall title for the first time in a decade, following Indonesia’s dominance in the medal standings across the past three editions since the Kuala Lumpur 2017 Games. Thailand remains the most successful nation in ASEAN Para Games history, having won six overall titles, with its most recent triumph coming at the Singapore 2015 Games.

The 13th ASEAN Para Games will feature a record 506 medal events across 19 sports, marking the largest sports programme since the inaugural Games in Kuala Lumpur in 2001.

Sports on the competition programme include Para Athletics, Para Archery, Para Badminton, Boccia, Chess, Cycling, Football 5-a-side, Football 7-a-side, Goalball, Judo, Powerlifting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Sitting Volleyball, Shooting, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Fencing, Wheelchair Tennis and Tenpin Bowling.

In addition, Lawn Bowls and Wheelchair Rugby will be showcased as demonstration sports.

The Games will be officially opened at the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium January 20 and ends on January 26. 

Cambodia Confirms Withdrawal from 13^th ASEAN Para Games

OFFICIAL PRESS STATEMENT

Bangkok,  10^th January 2026

13^th ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025

CAMBODIA CONFIRMS WITHDRAWAL

1. The ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF), as owner and governing body of the ASEAN Para Games, confirms that it has received an official letter from the National Paralympic Committee of Cambodia (NPC Cambodia), formally informing APSF that Cambodia will not be participating in the 13th ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025, scheduled in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) from 20 to 26 January 2026.

2. The letter from NPC Cambodia, dated 8^th January 2026, was  addressed to APSF President Major General Osoth Bhavilai, and signed by His Excellency Yi Veasna, Secretary-General of NPC Cambodia.

3. It stated that due to unforeseen circumstances, and with regret, the athletes of NPC Cambodia and their families will not participate in the upcoming Games in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat).

4. The APSF acknowledges the contents of the letter and notes the official position conveyed by NPC Cambodia.

5. APSF expresses its regret over Cambodia’s absence from the 13^th ASEAN Para Games, while fully respecting the decision taken by NPC Cambodia. Cambodia has been a valued member of the ASEAN para sport community and its participation over the years, including its role as host of the  12^th ASEAN Para Games in Phnom Penh in 2023, has contributed meaningfully to the development and promotion of para sport in the region.

6. APSF also notes NPC Cambodia’s appreciation, as expressed in its letter, for the efforts undertaken by the APSF, the National Paralympic Committee of Thailand and the Thailand ASEAN Para Games Organising Committee (THASOC) in preparing and organising the Games. The Federation likewise acknowledges NPC Cambodia’s goodwill messages extended to fellow ASEAN NPCs.

7. The APSF wishes to reaffirm that the 13^th ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025 will proceed as scheduled. Preparations for the Games are in its final phase and APSF remains confident that the Games will be conducted successfully, providing a safe, inclusive and a highly competitive platform for para athletes across Southeast Asia.

8. The APSF remains committed to maintaining close relations with NPC Cambodia and looks forward to Cambodia’s continued engagement and future participation in APSF programmes and upcoming editions of the ASEAN Para Games.

Thank You.

MAJOR GENERAL OSOTH BHAVILAI

President
ASEAN Para Sports Federation

For enquiries, please contact:

Major General Dr Wandee Tosuwan (APSF Secretary-General) at wandeedrdo@yahoo.com
or Naser Wahab (APSF Director, Media and Communications) at naserwahab@gmail.com