ASEAN Para Games 2025 Concludes, Malaysia to Host Next Edition

RRI.CO.ID, Nakhon Ratchasima - The 13th ASEAN Para Games officially came to a close on Monday evening, January 26, 2025, at the 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. The biennial multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities will next be hosted by Malaysia in 2027.

The closing ceremony was marked by the symbolic handover of the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) flag from Thailand to Malaysia, received by Malaysian Minister of Youth and Sports, Muhammed Taufiq Bin Johari, Antara reported.

Before the handover, the ceremony featured musical performances, traditional dances, fireworks, a parade of athletes, and a video montage highlighting the struggles and triumphs of participants throughout the competition.

Indonesia’s contingent was led by wheelchair fencer Akhmad Saidah, who captured gold in the men’s individual foil A event.

Thailand’s hosting concept emphasized equality and collective pride, encapsulated in the motto “Create Pride Together.” The theme reflected the unity of athletes, officials, and communities in building shared pride through sport.

Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, delivering remarks on behalf of King Vajiralongkorn, said the host nation had strived to serve all participating delegations and stakeholders to the fullest.

King Rama X expressed hope that the ASEAN Para Games would continue to strengthen regional friendship and uphold sportsmanship.

The 2025 Games were staged in Nakhon Ratchasima from January 20–26, with tenpin bowling events held separately in Bangkok. Organized under the APSF, the Games follow federation policy that the SEA Games host nation also hosts the ASEAN Para Games in the same cycle.

A total of 496 gold medals were contested across 19 sports, with participation from 10 countries: Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Singapore, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. Around 1,700 athletes took part.

Indonesia competed in 18 sports, including para athletics, para badminton, para table tennis, boccia, cerebral palsy football, and wheelchair basketball.

Its 290 athletes secured 392 medals - 135 gold, 143 silver, and 114 bronze - placing second overall behind Thailand, which topped the medal tally with 175 gold, 155 silver, and 156 bronze. Malaysia finished third with 64 gold, 64 silver, and 73 bronze.

Despite missing out on the overall championship, Indonesia excelled in several disciplines. The para archery team claimed five golds from nine events, while para judo swept all seven gold medals available.

Indonesia also surpassed its official target set by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which had aimed for a top-three finish with 82 gold, 77 silver, and 77 bronze medals. The achievement was credited to the leadership of Chief de Mission Reda Manthovani. ***