Thailand 2025: ASEAN Para Games concludes with celebratory closing ceremony

Fireworks at the 80th Birthday Stadium in Thailand, marking the end of the 13th ASEAN Para Games. Photo: SNPC/Abd Rahman

The curtains came down on the 13th ASEAN Para Games on January 26, as athletes, officials, and spectators celebrated a week of athletic achievements in Thailand. 

A closing ceremony marked the end of the week-long Games with “Isan Muan” – a toast to Southeast Asia’s fighting spirit – in a musical, colourful and energetic show. 

The night’s agenda included a wind symphony ensemble and traditional Isan performances that symbolised para athletes’ perseverance and courage. 

The Team Singapore contingent was led into the 80th Birthday Stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima once again by flagbearer Joan Hung, who is leaving Thailand a silver medallist in para judo.  

Singapore signed off from Thailand with 13 golds, seven silvers and nine bronzes, a creditable showing given that the contingent was a relatively small one at 37-strong. 

Swimmer Toh Wei Soong put in a strong showing, taking a medal in each of his events to finish with three golds, one silver and one bronze. 

Swimmer Toh Wei Soong won a medal in every event he contested, taking home five medals including three golds. Photo: SNPC/ Ben Cho

Boccia was another big contributor, adding four golds and two bronzes to the contingent’s final haul for the sport’s best-ever showing at the biennial Games. 

But perhaps most notably, it is how Singapore’s “crossover” athletes have performed that left the deepest impression. 

The Singapore squad in Thailand included several athletes who were new to their sports, even if they were seasoned competitors elsewhere before. There was former swimmer Theresa Goh, Singapore’s most bemedalled athlete at the ASEAN Para Games, who competed in shooting para sport. 

There was also four-time Paralympic sailor Jovin Tan, this time moving from the high seas to the stillness of a boccia court. In para judo, former goalball captain Joan Hung grappled with the challenges of a combat sport. 

They showed up not simply to participate – each one of them is going home with silverware, some of them gold. 

Team Singapore's 37-strong contingent leaves Thailand with 13 golds, 7 silvers and 9 bronzes. Photo: SNPC/Goh Siwei

Whether they had made a switch in pursuit of a Paralympic dream, to continue to chase an athletic pathway, or simply to have fun, each one sent a strong signal. 

It was a resounding message to themselves that they can be adaptable and successful, and to others that each person’s journey is what they choose to make of it. Time and again, para sport is a reminder of mind over body, matter, and circumstance. 

Said Goh: “To me, this shows the importance of belief and desire. There's a lot to be said on the importance of support systems as well, which are my family and my employers in my case. 

“But ultimately it boils down to desire, belief, and discipline. Control the controllables, and leave the rest behind.”

The closing spectacle in Thailand included a handover ceremony to Malaysia, the next hosts of the biennial Games in 2027. 

For the first time, a future APG host nation also presented a performance on stage, featuring a unique musical arrangement that combined rock with traditional Malaysian music. 

It is also the first time the handover performance was performed entirely by an ensemble of people with disabilities. 

The night, as well as the 13th APG, came to an official close with the extinguishing of the digital cauldron, as the Games flame faded into the night sky.

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.