Thailand 2025: Ambition to fruition as Singapore wheelchair rugby makes Asean Para Games debut

Singapore's wheelchair rugby team are at the 13th Asean Para Games in Thailand, where the sport is included as a demonstration sport. Photo: SNPC/Ben Cho

Social media has been taking a trip down memory lane in 2026, with everyone from celebrities to influencers and average Joes posting nostalgic throwbacks as they look back on what 2016 was like for them. 

For Singapore wheelchair rugby, that was when a journey filled with ambition and uncertainty began. 

On January 20th, that arduous and winding road came to fruition when the Republic’s players donned national colours as they took the stage at the Asean Para Games for the first time. 

Singapore were beaten 37-56 by Thailand, a formidable side ranked No. 3 in Asia. 

Wheelchair rugby is being contested at the Thailand event as a demonstration sport, meaning there will be no medal awarded. Singapore’s only opponent will be the host nation, whom they will meet once more on January 22. 

Sheikh Muhd Danial Bawthan in action on January 20 in a match against host nation Thailand. Photo: SNPC/Goh Siwei

To some, these may make the competition seem insignificant. But to Team Singapore’s players, it is anything but. This was a culmination of a decade-long journey, going from a meek group of wheelchair users simply looking for a place to belong to a tenacious team with a point to prove.

“The experience has been a dream come true, to have the sport finally acknowledged and featured at a major Games,” said Sheikh Muhd Danial Bawthan. “Although it is a demo game, showing up and competing is a monumental step for the sport and for our team. 

“We expected a difficult game and that was what we got,” he said, noting that it was daunting trying to keep the team composed in the face of a stiff Thai challenge.

“We came into the match wanting to be a strong competitor against Thailand. We prepared our best possible line-up and strategies to deploy, and today’s result shows where we stand against them.” 

Added teammate Wong Yu Chai: "After a decade, this has a huge significance not only for me, but also for the supporters of our sport who believed in us from Day 1. It brings awareness for future PWD peers to find strength and recovery through sports." 

Singapore's Tan Whee Boon in action on January 20 in a match against host nation Thailand. Photo: SNPC/Goh Siwei

It is unsurprising that wheelchair rugby players come with such grit. After all, theirs is a sport that is sometimes colloquially known as “murderball”. It takes a special breed to try, play, and stay in this sport. 

“In any sport that is trying to break into the major Games, there are bound to be moments where we question ourselves and feel frustrated,” said Danial. 

“We continue to preserve despite not knowing where the future lies. Many continue to show up and support us. That is reason enough to continue persevering.” 

Regardless of where their current path will lead by the end of their campaign in Thailand, the road does not end there. These warriors on wheels have their sights set on glory at home when Singapore hosts the APG in 2029.

Said team manager Azhar Yusof: “There are so many firsts for the sport and the team. First time the sport is featured at the APG, first time we have a Singapore team competing, and all the players are taking part in the APG for the first time. 

“So it means a lot to the community, our families, supporters and sponsors who have been with us from Day 1. It is onwards and upwards for the team and the sport from now.”

The 13th Asean Para Games are held in Thailand from 20 to 26 January 2026. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.