Impressive closing of the ASEAN Para Games 2025.
The flame in the torch at the 80th Anniversary Chalerm Phrakiat Stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima Province has been extinguished.
This symbolizes that the 13th ASEAN Para Games, the para-sports event for Southeast Asians, has ended perfectly.
A full week of competition in Korat, marking the first time in 18 years that Thailand has hosted the event again.
Compared to the 2025 SEA Games held last month, which were marked by drama throughout the tournament from start to finish,
I consider this ASEAN Para Games a clear success.
Credit must be given to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Sports Authority of Thailand, the Paralympic Committee of Thailand, and the organizing committee.
As well as to the people of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, who were excellent hosts, warmly welcoming visiting athletes from ASEAN neighbors impressively.
Mistakes from the SEA Games were reviewed and addressed with improvements.
This led to the tournament receiving high praise from the international community.
Especially from the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF).
They commended the Thai organizers for raising the standards of para-sports in the region to a visible level.
Participation from athletes across ASEAN demonstrated the growth of para-sports in terms of athlete performance and competition standards.
And the organization of the competition truly centered the athlete in every aspect!
We witnessed outstanding performances from athletes and the rise of new stars.
Alongside experienced champions who inspire the next generation.
Management was safe, orderly, and marked by strong cooperation from all sectors.
Throughout the competition, all 19 sports were conducted under APSF regulations and strict international federation standards.
There was close coordination among technical delegates, officials, and the local organizing committee.
Alongside efforts in classification, judging, medical services, and security.
Including anti-doping measures that were effectively implemented.
This created confidence in fair and credible competition.
It also showed positive results from long-term investment in elevating para-sports in the ASEAN region.
Similarly, the Thai team’s success was remarkable, uniting to produce outstanding results.
They won 175 gold, 155 silver, and 158 bronze medals, totaling 488.
Though slightly below the Sports Authority of Thailand's target, it was enough for Thailand to reclaim the top gold medal position for the seventh time.
They also made history by earning more medals than Indonesia did when hosting in Solo in 2022.
At that event, the Indonesian team won 175 gold, 144 silver, and 107 bronze medals, totaling 426.
This is a source of pride once again for Thai sports fans, celebrating the excellence of all Thai para-athletes.
This Thai team was a balanced mix of veteran and new athletes, half and half.
This showed good potential, with 47 athletics and swimming records broken, meeting expected goals.
Although some sports missed targets, competitors like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines were strong and formidable.
Overall, evaluating the Thai ASEAN Para Games team,
I believe they can build on this success toward the Asian Para Games and the Paralympic Games in the future.
Finally, before ending this column, I must thank the generous sponsors who helped make hosting these major national sports events possible.
Both the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games were successfully completed.
Especially the Japanese sponsors—Ajinomoto, Daikin, and Yamaha—who showed great kindness.
Thai people are truly fortunate to have such "true friends" from the land of the Samurai always supporting us.
“Arigato gozaimasu” from the heart!
- Bee Bangpakong -