The official launch of the “Kick Off” countdown event was held in Bangkok, highlighting host country Thailand’s commitment to a Green Games and promoting inclusivity and equality in sports.
The 13th edition of the biennial event will take place in Nakhon Ratchasima, often referred to as Korat, between Jan 20-26 next year, marking the second time Thailand will have hosted the Games. The first was the fourth edition in 2008, in the same location, where 14 sports were contested and host country Thailand emerged as overall champions with 257 gold medals.
Net January’s event will be the largest yet, featuring 20 sports; archery, para-athletics, para-badminton, boccia, chess, para-cycling, football 5-a-side, CP football, goalball, judo, para-powerlifting, shooting, para-swimming, table tennis, sitting volleyball, tenpin bowling, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, e-Sports and wheelchair fencing. Two other yet to be confirmed sports will also be featured as demonstration sports in Korat, officials have said.
Sunday’s “Kick Off” event, held jointly with the launch of the 33rd SEA Games 2025, was officiated by Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Surawong Thienthong, signalling the beginning of preparations for the region’s premier Para sporting event, now just over 400 days away.
ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) President, Major General Osoth Bhavilai, praised Thailand’s leadership and vision in preparing for APG13. “APSF remains committed to ensuring a successful Games, continuing the journey that began with the inaugural edition in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia in 2001,” he said at the launch event.
“APSF will collaborate closely with the Thai government, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and NPC Thailand to ensure that Thailand delivers great a Games and set new benchmarks for future Games,” Major General Bhavilai added.
Minister Thienthong reiterated the broader goals of the Games: “The 33rd SEA Games and 13th ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025 are not just any other competitive events. They embody the ideals of sustainability, inclusivity, and ASEAN unity. We are dedicated to hosting Games that inspire and unite the region while promoting our Green Games initiatives,” he said.
Prior to the “Kick Off” launch, Maj. Gen. Bhavilai and APSF Secretary-General Senior Colonel Dr Wandee Tosuwan were also involved in a special technical meeting with the SAT to discuss key organisational and technical aspects of the Games.
“We will work hand in hand with host countries to further our agenda of inclusivity, equality, and empowerment for para-athletes in the region. I urge all Thais and the ASEAN community to make APG13 an impactful and memorable event,” Major General Bhavilai added.
Under the Green Games initiative, organisers are set to promote the usage of renewable energy, public and shared transportation to minimise carbon emissions, the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials at venues, and smart applications to optimise resource management and reduce energy consumption. These measures aim to raise awareness of environmental impacts both during and beyond the Games.
Highlighting the cultural and social significance of the event, the 13th ASEAN Para Games will carry the theme “Create Pride Together.” The official mascot, Nong Jai Kaeng, a spirited Korat cat, symbolises determination, unity and camaraderie, embodying the heart of the Games.
With 20 sports on offer, the 13th ASEAN Para Games 2025 is set to be the largest celebration of para sports in the history of the Games. The stage is set for the ASEAN community to come together and celebrate the achievements of para-athletes, ensuring that APG13 leaves a lasting legacy of inclusion, equality and sporting excellence.
“We hope with the adoption of several new approaches, the ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025 will serve as a platform for ASEAN and the para community to come together even stronger,” concluded Major General Bhavilai at yesterday’s event.
The ASEAN Para Games is a biennial multi-sport Para event held after every Southeast Asia Games (SEA Games) for athletes with a disability from the ASEAN member nations. Kuala Lumpur hosted the inaugural edition in 2001, followed by Hanoi, Vietnam (2003), Manila, Philippines (2005), Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand (2007), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2009), Solo, Indonesia (2011), Napyitaw in Myanmar (2014), Singapore (2015), Kuala Lumpur in 2017, Solo Indonesia in 2022 and Phnom Penh Cambodia in 2023. The 2020 Manila Games 2020 and 2021 Hanoi Games did not take place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.