Thailand 2025: Asean Para Games open in Korat as Team Singapore's campaign begins

Team Singapore is represented by 37 athletes in 11 sports at the 13th Asean Para Games. Photo: SNPC/Goh Siwei

In a stadium that was built to mark a joyous milestone, the 80th Birthday Stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima was once again the site of a celebration on January 20. 

A month after the curtains came down on the 33rd SEA Games, Thailand marked the start of the 13th Asean Para Games, turning the spotlight onto the region’s best para athletes from January 20-26. 

The stadium in Korat carries with it plenty of grandeur and history, as a facility that was erected to commemorate the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 80th birthday in 2007. That same year, the country hosted the 24th SEA Games, with the arena serving as a host venue. 

Fireworks at the 80th Birthday Stadium, which also hosted events for the 2007 edition of the SEA Games. Photo: SNPC/Ben Cho

This time, it served as the backdrop to an opening ceremony that married the region’s rich culture and the spirit of solidarity of the biennial Games. 

Over some 80 minutes, energetic performances filled the senses, with rhythmic drums and dynamic lights forming an expression of strength in diversity. 

A special spotlight was put on the Isan region’s cultural roots, as performers used their vocals and movement to celebrate unity and convey “The United Heart of the Unstoppable”, the slogan of the 13th APG. 

But as with any edition, the heart and soul of every Games remains its athletes. They were cheered on by the 24,000 seated inside the stadium as they entered during the parade. 

The Thailand 2025 edition of the Asean Para Games will see the region’s sporting best contest 19 sports across almost 500 events, with lawn bowls and wheelchair rugby taking place alongside as demo sports. 

Team Singapore will be represented by 37 athletes in 11 sports. Para judoka Joan Hung took the lead on Tuesday night, as she led the contingent in as flag bearer. 

Flagbearer Joan Hung, who previously competed at the APG in goalball, is contesting para judo this time. Photo: SportSG/Jeremy Lee

The 29-year-old, who is competing at her third APG but first in this sport, said: “It’s pretty special because this marks a decade since my first major Games, and its the first in para judo. Hopefully it’s a sign of good things to come and a reminder to myself that I can adapt.

“My hope for Team Singapore is that everyone will be able to do our best with whatever we have in the moment. Regardless of outcome, there'll be no regrets.” 

The Singapore contingent has some other familiar faces who are relative rookies in their sport, including swimming Paralympic medallist Theresa Goh, who has put down her goggles and picked up the air pistol. 

Among the debutants, there is para shooter Surya Mohan Jha, the youngest of the contingent at 18 years old. 

At the last edition held in Cambodia in 2023, Team Singapore brought home 12 golds, 15 silvers and 17 bronzes. 

This time, the country will also be represented in para archery, para athletics, boccia, para cycling, para powerlifting, para swimming, ten-pin bowling, and para table tennis. 

Wheelchair rugby players were already in action before competition officially began, with a tie against host nation Thailand earlier in the day. The sport is included in the roster as a demonstration sport in Thailand.  

As with many opening ceremonies, the lighting of the APG flame formed the climax and highlight of the night. 

Singapore brought home 12 golds, 15 silvers and 17 bronzes at the last edition of the APG in 2023. Photo: SportSG/Jeremy Lee

Some of Thailand’s most illustrious para athletes were involved in the passing of the Games flame, including Paris 2024 wheelchair racing Paralympic T34 champion Chaiwat Rattana and Thai “Queen of Wheelchair Fencing” Saisunee Jannah. 

In keeping with multi-sport events in recent years, the cauldron centred on sustainability, with the traditional Games flame taking a digital form to symbolise progress, hope and strength. 

Many of Team Singapore’s athletes will be in action from Day 1 of competition in sports such as boccia, para archery and para swimming.

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.