🇹🇭 Thailand triumphs as host and champion at the 2025 ASEAN Para Games
🎖️ Regional para-athletics competition concludes in Nakhon Ratchasima with Thailand reclaiming the overall crown from Indonesia
🎯 The Main Takeaway
The 13th ASEAN Para Games concluded in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on January 26, 2026, with host nation Thailand reclaiming the overall championship for the first time since 2015.
The event, centered on the theme “Create Pride Together,” showcased elite para-sports competition across 19 sports and reinforced regional solidarity in Southeast Asia.
📡 Why It’s on Our Radar
This event is more than a sports tournament; it’s a key indicator of para-sports development and regional cooperation in ASEAN.
The Games saw participation from 10 countries, featured around 1,700 athletes, and served as a vital platform for athletes with disabilities.
Its success and challenges reflect broader themes of inclusion, accessibility, and peaceful regional engagement.
💡 What’s at Stake
🏆 Regional Sports Hierarchy: Thailand’s victory ends Indonesia’s three-edition reign as champion, reshaping the competitive landscape ahead of the 2027 Games in Malaysia.
🤝 Diplomatic & Community Unity: The Games proceeded amid regional tensions, with Cambodia withdrawing its delegation linked to the ongoing border crisis, underscoring how sport interacts with geopolitics.
🚀 Athlete Development Pathways: Strong performances, like the Philippines achieving its best finish ever, demonstrate the growing depth of talent and the importance of these Games as a stepping stone to global competitions like the Paralympics.
🇲🇾 Future Host Preparedness: With the formal handover to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, focus now shifts to preparation for the 14th ASEAN Para Games in October 2027.
🏅 Final Medal Standings
🌏 The Bigger Picture
The Games reinforced sports as a unifying force. As stated during the closing, the event was proof of the “strong bond and solidarity amongst ASEAN member nations.”
The concept of “Create Pride Together” successfully shifted focus from pure competition to shared achievement and collective celebration of ability.
✨ Beyond the Headlines
🎯 Strategic Exceeding of Goals: Indonesia’s contingent, led by Chef de Mission Reda Manthovani, surpassed its official medal target by over 50%, a testament to strategic preparation and athlete dedication.
🌟 Stars of the Games: The Philippines’ Darry Bernardo (chess) and Angel Otom (swimming) were among the most decorated athletes, symbolizing the rise of new para-sports talent.
🔮 Looking Ahead: Thailand’s sports officials, like SAT Governor Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, immediately pivoted focus to building on this success for Asian and global-level competitions.
🔮 The Bottom Line
The 13th ASEAN Para Games were a resounding success for Thailand as both host and champion, effectively celebrating athletic excellence and regional unity.
The baton has now passed to Malaysia, setting the stage for the next chapter of para-sports development in Southeast Asia.
The true victory lies in the lasting “pride” created for every athlete, nation, and supporter who believes in the power of inclusive sport.
Need More Angles?
Philippine News Agency Thailand reclaims ASEAN Para Games overall crown; PH places 4th
RRI ASEAN Para Games 2025 Concludes, Malaysia to Host Next Edition
The Nation Thailand Thailand tops ASEAN Para Games with 175 golds, 7th time overall
(ELS/QOB)